To be torqued or not to be torqued, this is the question...

Just recently one of my friends asked me a question that challenged me: "Have you ever been so torqued that you acted out in revenge?"

The question was not novel; I have been asked this before, but never have I heard the word, "torqued" used in this way.

I understood in context, but the word struck me as highly intriguing.  As soon as I was able, I looked up its meaning.

torque

  [tawrk]  Show IPA

noun

1.

Mechanics . something that produces or tends to produce torsionor rotation; the moment of a force or system of forces tending to cause rotation.

2.

Machinery . the measured ability of a rotating element, as of agear or shaft, to overcome turning resistance.

3.

Optics. the rotational effect on plane-polarized light passing through certain liquids or crystals.

4.

Also, torc. a collar, necklace, or similar ornament consisting of a twisted narrow band, usually of precious metal, worn especially by the ancient Gauls and Britons.

verb (used with object), torqued, torqu·ing.

5.

Machinery . to apply torque to (a nut, bolt, etc.).

6.

to cause to rotate or twist.

verb (used without object), torqued, torqu·ing.

7. to rotate or twist.

Origin: 
1825–35;  < Latin torquēre  to twist; (def 4)  < French torque  < Latintorques torques ( torc  perhaps < Irish  ≪ L)

I think that this word is phenomenal especially in the way my friend used it, because there is a impetus innate in it that is not in "pissed", "angry", or in similar words. It more appropriately explains what is happening.

The emphasis in torque is on the undergoing of the soul in the moment of relationship. In other words, there is a turning or twisting in me in a single instant; I am touched in such a way as to be taken from rest into (e)motion. To be "torqued" is to have had enough "external force" applied to me to pivot me around my base (fulcrum) of stability, my comfort zone, to change my frame of perception or even ability "to act".

(Do I fly into emotion with the lightest touch?  How much resistance do I have to the actions, judgments, etc., of others? Can people get into my head and mess up my game, simply by a look or a comment?)

The way that this was used was initially to imply a negative emotion, but I think that I can also be brought from rest into positive emotion-- and the word torque is likewise, equally effective.

(What touches me now that will cause me to turn in a positive rotation? What is my moment of force? Or do I have such a hardness of heart that nothing will pierce me and impel me to act?)