torqueō
To torment in Latin is torqueō. Wiktionary also lists macero.
Meaning: to cause severe suffering (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| torqueō | |
| macero | [ˈmaː.kɛ.roː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmaː.t͡ʃe.ro] (narrow) |
The verb is used to mean causing severe suffering.
What does it mean word for word?
The word torqueō literally means 'to twist' or 'to wring', which implies the physical act of twisting a body or limb to cause pain.
Related words
Did you know?
- The Roman neck ring called a 'torque' took its name from torqueō because the metal was twisted to create the jewelry.
- The Latin verb torqueō is the direct ancestor of the English word 'torque', which refers to a twisting force in physics.
- Used in a kitchen rather than as torment, macero means to soak something until it softens.
Examples in context
- Marcius se angustiis affligebat, postquam amicus suus eum prodidit.Marcius tormented himself after his friend betrayed him.
- Magister puerum tormento afficere solebat ut disciplinam tueretur.The teacher used to torment the boy to maintain discipline.
- Amicos abire videre mihi est dolor crucians.Seeing friends leave is tormenting for me.
Example conversation
Two people discuss a difficult task.
- ClaudiaHīs labōribus mē torqueō.I torment myself with these labors.
- MarcusCūrās nōn dēbēs habēre, Claudia.You should not have worries, Claudia.
- ClaudiaSed mē torqueō quia anxia sum.But I torment myself because I am anxious.
- MarcusEgo tē adiuvābō.I will help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “torment” translations and entries macero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
