The Greek noun basanismos refers to torment, torture, or severe anguish — the state of being tormented. It appears exclusively in the book of Revelation (5 occurrences), where it describes the torment of those who receive the mark of the beast and the judgment that falls on Babylon. The word conveys extreme, prolonged suffering.
The concentrated appearance of basanismos in Revelation's judgment scenes makes unmistakably clear the eternal consequence of rejecting God and aligning with the beast system. At the same time, Revelation's use of this word is a warning to believers not to compromise with Babylon — the comfort and luxury of godless empire. The same God who judges Babylon promises to wipe every tear from His people's eyes (Revelation 21:4).