Subjected to severe emotional or mental suffering, often involving persistent, recurring pain or distress. Suggests ongoing agony that provides no relief or escape.
From Latin 'tormentum' (instrument of torture), from 'torquere' (to twist). Originally referred to physical torture devices, but expanded to describe psychological suffering that 'twists' the mind with pain.
Being 'tormented' isn't just metaphorical - chronic emotional distress actually rewires our neural pathways, creating persistent pain circuits in the brain that can become self-perpetuating, much like chronic physical pain conditions!
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