afflict

[uh-flikt]

verb (used with object)

1. to distress with mental or bodily pain; trouble greatly or grievously.

   to be afflicted with migraine headaches.

   Synonyms: plague, torment, harass, vex

2. Obsolete.

   1. to overthrow; defeat.

   2. to humble.

afflict

/ əˈflɪkt /

verb

1. (tr) to cause suffering or unhappiness to; distress greatly

Other Word Forms

• afflictive adjective
• afflicter noun
• overafflict verb (used with object)
• preafflict verb (used with object)
• self-afflicting adjective
• unafflicting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of afflict¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English afflicten, from Latin afflīctus “distressed,” past participle of afflīgere “to cast down” ( af- af- + flīg- “knock” + -tus past participle suffix); replacing Middle English aflight, from Middle French aflit, from Latin; inflict

Word History and Origins

Origin of afflict¹

C14: from Latin afflictus, past participle of afflīgere to knock against, from flīgere to knock, to strike

Example Sentences

Imagine if Anduril’s and Jet Zero’s plants were going up in Fresno, Bakersfield, San Bernardino or Modesto — areas afflicted with high levels of poverty.

From Los Angeles Times

The good news is that both pups and people afflicted with anaplasmosis typically recover quickly with antibiotics.

From Los Angeles Times

Some people in the afflicted neighborhoods claim not everyone is following the advisory to lay off the taps.

From Los Angeles Times

Newman was co-counsel on a lawsuit that won a temporary restraining order against the indiscriminate immigration raids that have afflicted Southern California since June.

From Los Angeles Times

I wish you, and all of us afflicted with this condition, the willingness and determination to move forward and to use the power of sport and exercise to combat this devastating disease.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoy 
• beset 
• bother 
• burden 
• oppress 
• plague 
• rack 
• torment 
• torture 
• wound