Emotional Abuse Terminology

verb to make someone or something seem less impressive or important

adjective showing a lack of respect for someone or something

• Her constant belittling remarks towards her colleagues created a toxic work environment.
• Stop belittling me in front of our friends, it's embarrassing.
• I can't stand her belittling attitude, it's so annoying.
• The dark clouds belittling the sun's brightness symbolized the protagonist's inner turmoil.

noun a person who inflicts severe mental or physical suffering on someone

verb to cause severe mental or physical suffering to someone

• The tormentor was finally brought to justice after years of causing harm to his victims.
• I can't believe my tormentor from high school just added me on social media.
• That tormentor is such a bully, always picking on smaller kids.
• Fear can be a powerful tormentor, holding us back from reaching our full potential.