tormenter

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Word: Tormenter

Part of Speech: Noun

Usage Instructions:

• When you use "tormenter" to describe a person, it usually refers to someone who bullies or harasses others, causing emotional or physical pain.
• In a theater context, it refers to the panels that prevent the audience from seeing the area where actors wait before going on stage.

Examples:

1. Person Context: "The bully at school was a real tormenter; he made fun of others every day."
2. Theater Context: "The stage crew adjusted the tormenters to improve the audience's view of the performance."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or dramatic works, a "tormenter" might symbolize internal struggles or external pressures a character faces.
• In discussions about bullying or harassment, "tormenter" highlights the impact of someone's actions on their victims.

Word Variants:

• Verb Form: Torment (to cause pain or suffering)
  • Example: "He loves to torment his little sister by hiding her toys."
• Noun Variation: Torment (the pain or suffering caused)
  • Example: "She lived in torment after losing her friend."

Different Meanings:

1. Tormenter in Theater: Refers specifically to stage flats that block the audience's view of the backstage area.
2. Tormenter as a Bully: Refers to a person who enjoys making others suffer emotionally or physically.

Synonyms:

• For a person who torments: Bully, harasser, tormentor, abuser.
• For the stage flat: Wing screen, stage flat.

Related Idioms:

• "To be a thorn in someone’s side": This means to be a persistent source of annoyance or trouble for someone, similar to how a tormenter causes distress.

Phrasal Verbs:

While there isn't a specific phrasal verb that directly relates to "tormenter," you might use: - "Put up with": To tolerate someone’s tormenting behavior.

Academic

Noun

1. a flat at each side of the stage to prevent the audience from seeing into the wings
2. someone who torments

Synonyms

• tormentor
• teaser
• persecutor