self-torment

[ self-tawr-ment, self- ]

/ ˈsɛlfˈtɔr mɛnt, ˌsɛlf- /

an act or instance of tormenting oneself, as with worry or guilt.

Origin of self-torment

First recorded in 1640–50

self-tor·ment·ed, adjective self-tor·ment·ing, adjective self-tor·ment·ing·ly, adverb self-tor·men·tor, noun

Then there came over him a spirit of defiance, of self-torment, of ill-humour, and he felt tempted to throw up the whole thing.

The Growth of a Soul |August Strindberg
The doubt on my mind was dispelled—not a pretext left for my own self-torment.

What Will He Do With It, Complete |Edward Bulwer-Lytton
He bowed his face on to his hands, unable for an instant to grapple with the swift salt cruelty of self-torment.

Twos and Threes |G. B. Stern
She would only have had a needless fright, to see her mother, haggard with self-torment, by her bedside at that hour.

Somehow Good |William de Morgan

I could no longer rest when this most ingenious process of self-torment began again.

The Days of My Life |Mrs. Oliphant