torture
/ˈtȯr-chər/
noun
the infliction of intense pain (as from burning, crushing, or wounding) to punish, coerce, or afford sadistic pleasure
something that causes agony or pain
anguish of body or mind : agony
verb
to cause intense suffering to : torment
to punish or coerce by inflicting excruciating pain
afflict try torment torture rack mean to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear. afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress. try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control.
noun
the act or an instance of torturing oneself psychologically
the infliction of intense pain on oneself
Guilt is a merciless instrument of self-torture.