noun

tormentor

tor-MEN-ter/tɔːrˈmentər/

A person or thing that repeatedly causes suffering or distress.

The tormentor follows the distressed man and keeps jabbing his shoulder.

Three small sequential vignettes show the same tormentor persistently jabbing another man's shoulder, following when the distressed man moves away and continuing despite his raised stop gesture.

Etymology

torLatinto twist

+mentLatininstrument or result

+orOld Frenchperson who performs an action

The twisting image lies behind torment as torture or anguish, while the agent ending identifies the person who inflicts it. The word covered both an official torturer and anyone causing physical pain or mental distress.

In context

Libranima1:23

… lashes of his tormentor’s whip reverberated unendingly in his soul …

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame - Hugo (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

She finally tells a teacher about her tormentors.
Persistent guilt is his worst tormentor.
Her former friend becomes her daily tormentor at work.

Forms

tormentor · tormentors

torment verb — To cause repeated physical pain or distress.

Similar words

bully: Emphasizes using power to intimidate or hurt someone weaker.
harasser: Emphasizes repeated unwanted conduct rather than the suffering caused.
persecutor: Often targets people because of their identity or beliefs.