WordGarden.ioaffliction
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /əflˈɪkʃən/
US
- /əˈflɪkʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a cause of pain, suffering, or serious distress
an illness or physical condition that causes pain or disability
Beyond the definition
An affliction isn't just feeling unwell; it's a state of prolonged suffering, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Think of ancient stories where heroes battle terrible afflictions—curses, plagues, or devastating losses. It suggests something that weighs heavily on someone for an extended period. A headache is unpleasant, but a chronic illness is an affliction. Sometimes, it can even refer to a cause of suffering, like poverty being an affliction on a community.
Consider the story of Job in the Bible—his tale is filled with afflictions that test his faith. Or think about characters in literature who grapple with inner demons; those internal struggles are often described as afflictions of the soul. The word carries a weightiness that goes beyond simple discomfort.
Affliction refers to a state of pain, suffering, or distress—typically lasting for some time. It's more than just temporary discomfort; it implies a deep and persistent hardship that impacts someone's life significantly. For example: "The drought brought widespread affliction to the farming community," meaning it caused immense suffering due to crop failure.
Affliction can be physical, like a chronic disease or debilitating injury. But it also encompasses mental and emotional struggles—grief, depression, anxiety, or any experience or condition that causes prolonged distress. "She suffered from the affliction of loneliness after losing her husband."
Historically, "affliction" often carried religious connotations and was seen as a test of faith or divine punishment. While this meaning is less common today, it still hints at something beyond simple misfortune—a challenge to endure with strength and resilience.
The word can also be used more broadly to describe the cause of suffering. Poverty, injustice, or war could all be described as afflictions on society. "Racism remains a deep affliction in many parts of the world."
So whether it's a personal struggle, a widespread crisis, or the source of hardship itself, "affliction" speaks to the enduring weight of pain and suffering—and often, the strength required to overcome it.
Examples
- 1
Skin condition
She has lived with a painful skin affliction since childhood.
- 2
Nerve condition
He suffered from a nerve affliction that made it hard to walk.
- Patternsuffer from + affliction
have a serious illness or condition
- 3
Old age
By eighty, he joked about the afflictions of old age, but the pain was real.
- Phrasethe afflictions of old age
the health problems that often come with getting old
- 4
Civic metaphor
In his speech, the mayor called corruption an affliction that weakens the whole city.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- afflictionnoun
Forms
- afflictionspluralnoun