βασανίζω
vasanízo/vasaˈnizo/
To torment in Greek is βασανίζω (vasanízo).
The verb βασανίζω is used to express the action of causing severe suffering. If you are looking for a noun to describe the feeling of extreme pain, you would use μαρτύριο. Additionally, the word αγωνία can be used to mean anxiety.
Meaning: to cause severe suffering (verb)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is vasanízo. In the IPA, it is /vasaˈnizo/.
Did you know?
- The shift from 'testing metal' to 'inflicting pain' happened because historical inquisitors used physical torture to 'test' the truthfulness of prisoners.
- While βασανίζω describes the act of causing pain, the Greek word for the feeling of torment μαρτύριο shares the same root as the word for 'witness'.
- The word αγωνία used for anxiety comes from the Greek word αγών, meaning a 'contest' or 'struggle'. This is the same root found in the English word 'agony'.
Examples in context
- Οι αιχμάλωτοι υπέστησαν απόλυτο βασάνισμα από τους βασανιστές.The prisoners endured absolute torment from the torturers.
- Το χωρίσαμε και αυτή τη στιγμή βυθίζομαι σε στεναχώρια.We broke up, and right now, I'm sinking into torment.
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Nikos are arguing about a secret.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓιατί δεν μου λες την αλήθεια;Giatí den mou les tin alítheia?Why won't you tell me the truth?
- Νίκος NikosΔεν είμαι έτοιμος να το πω.Den eímai étoimos na to po.I am not ready to say it.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜε βασανίζω που το ξέρεις και δεν μιλάς!Me vasanízei pou to xéreis kai den milás!It torments me that you know and won't speak!
- Νίκος NikosΣου ζητώ συγχώρηση, Κυριακή.Sou zitó syngchórisi, Kyriaki.I ask for your forgiveness, Kyriaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “torment” translations and entries βασανίζω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries βασανίζω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
