self-torment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Literary, Psychological, Introspective
Quick answer
What does “self-torment” mean?
The act of inflicting mental or emotional distress upon oneself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of inflicting mental or emotional distress upon oneself; the process of subjecting oneself to painful thoughts, worries, or remorse.
A state or pattern of behavior characterized by excessive rumination, self-criticism, or the voluntary revisiting of painful memories or anxieties, often with a sense of psychological compulsion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The hyphenated compound 'self-torment' is standard in both.
Connotations
Slightly more common in literary/introspective British contexts, but the term is equally understood and used in American English in psychological or formal writing.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties. More likely encountered in written prose, psychology texts, or formal discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “self-torment” in a Sentence
[Subject] engages in self-torment over [object/reason].[Subject]'s self-torment about [object] was evident.To put an end to the [adjective] self-torment.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-torment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would self-torment for hours after any perceived social blunder.
American English
- She has a tendency to self-torment over every minor detail of the project.
adverb
British English
- He scrolled through the old messages, self-tormentingly rereading each one.
adjective
British English
- Her self-tormenting nature made it difficult for her to accept praise.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The CEO's self-torment over the failed merger impacted his decision-making.'
Academic
Used in psychology, philosophy, and literary criticism to describe a character's or patient's internal state.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Would be replaced by simpler phrases: 'overthinking', 'being too hard on yourself'.
Technical
Clinical psychology may use it descriptively, though more precise terms like 'rumination disorder' or 'maladaptive cognitive patterns' are preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-torment”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-torment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-torment”
- Writing as one word: 'selftorment' (incorrect, requires hyphen).
- Confusing it with 'self-torture' in all contexts (self-torment is more exclusively mental/emotional).
- Using it in overly casual contexts where it sounds stilted.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Self-torment is a specific behavior or cognitive pattern—a way of thinking. Depression is a broader clinical condition that may include self-torment as a symptom, but also involves other symptoms like anhedonia, changes in sleep/appetite, and low energy.
Yes, though it's less common than the noun form. The verb is hyphenated: 'to self-torment'. It means to engage in the act of tormenting oneself mentally.
Regret is a feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened. Self-torment is the active, often prolonged and excessive, process of dwelling on that regret in a painful, unproductive way. Regret can be a brief, healthy emotion; self-torment is its maladaptive extension.
No, it is a mid-to-high frequency word in formal, literary, or academic contexts but is rare in everyday spoken English. More casual equivalents include 'overthinking', 'dwelling on things', or 'being too hard on yourself'.
The act of inflicting mental or emotional distress upon oneself.
Self-torment is usually formal, literary, psychological, introspective in register.
Self-torment: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf ˈtɔːmɛnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf ˈtɔːrmɛnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be one's own worst enemy (related concept)”
- “To torture oneself (over something)”
- “To beat oneself up (informal equivalent).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SELF turning a TORCH (torment) of painful thoughts inward, upon its own MIND.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A TORTURER (where the self is both torturer and victim). PAST EVENTS ARE OPEN WOUNDS (that one picks at).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'self-torment' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?