afflict

To afflict someone means to cause them serious suffering—whether physical pain, emotional distress, or hardship. Think of a terrible disease that afflicts many people, or a difficult situation that afflicts a community. It's stronger than simply "bothering" someone; it implies something heavy, significant, and often prolonged. A character in a story might be afflicted by grief after losing a loved one, or an entire country could be afflicted by famine.

The word carries a weight of sorrow and hardship. It's not something that happens lightly. You wouldn't say your stubbed toe afflicted you—but you might say a chronic illness afflicts someone for years. It comes from the Latin affligere, meaning "to strike down" or "to crush," which fits the sense of being weighed down by suffering.

The word "afflict" means to cause pain or suffering to someone (or to a group, place, or community), often over a period of time. It suggests a deep and troubling impact, going beyond simple discomfort. For example: "The drought afflicted the farmers, ruining their crops," or "She was afflicted with a rare disease that doctors struggled to diagnose."

"Afflict" can refer to physical suffering—like illness, injury, or hardship—but it also commonly describes emotional distress. You might say someone is "afflicted by grief," meaning they are deeply saddened and troubled by loss. It's often used in contexts involving misfortune, tragedy, or challenging circumstances, and it commonly appears in the passive (be afflicted with/by).

Historically, the word had religious connotations, often referring to divine punishment or trials sent by God. While this usage is less common today, it still carries a sense of something beyond simple bad luck. Think of biblical stories where characters are afflicted as tests of their faith.

As a verb, "afflict" describes the act of causing suffering. The related noun "affliction" refers to the state of being afflicted—or to the source or experience of pain and hardship: "His greatest affliction was his loneliness."

So whether describing a physical ailment, emotional turmoil, or widespread misfortune, "afflict" speaks to the weight of suffering and the challenges that life can bring. It's a word that acknowledges the presence of pain and its lasting impact.