self-torment

[ self-tawr-ment, self- ]

noun

1. an act or instance of tormenting oneself, as with worry or guilt.

Other Words From

• self-tor·mented adjective
• self-tor·menting adjective
• self-tor·menting·ly adverb
• self-tor·mentor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-torment¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

She would only have had a needless fright, to see her mother, haggard with self-torment, by her bedside at that hour.

From Project Gutenberg

To encourage such fantasy was the idlest self-torment, but he had gone too far in this form of indulgence.

From Project Gutenberg

With a saint's capacity for self-torment, Madeleine wielded the scourge over her own back until the blood came.

From Project Gutenberg

Then there came over him a spirit of defiance, of self-torment, of ill-humour, and he felt tempted to throw up the whole thing.

From Project Gutenberg

Charity listened with a greed of self-torment like a fanatic penitent.

From Project Gutenberg