折磨 (zhé mó): to torment; to torture

During the war years, hunger and disease tormented innocent civilians day and night, and many did not live to see the day of peace.

Ever since her son went missing, this terrifying thought has been tormenting her, keeping her awake night after night.

He is tormented by chronic pain every day and is exhausted, unable to do even the simplest household chores.

Before the competition, excessive nervousness tormented this young athlete, causing him to make frequent mistakes on the field.

Those unforgettable past events tormented him like a nightmare, and he decided to seek help from a psychologist.