Afflict: meaning, definitions and examples

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afflict

[əˈflɪkt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

cause suffering

To afflict means to cause pain or suffering to someone or something. It can refer to physical, emotional, or mental suffering.

Synonyms

distress, plague, torment, trouble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
afflict	Use 'afflict' when talking about causing pain or suffering, often in a serious or formal context, usually related to diseases or disasters. Many were afflicted by the sudden outbreak of the disease. The region has been afflicted by drought for years.
trouble	'Trouble' is broader and can mean causing inconvenience, worry, or difficulty. It can be used in both serious and more casual contexts. Her health problems have troubled her for many years. Sorry to trouble you, but I need some help.
distress	'Distress' is suitable when referring to severe anxiety, pain, or sorrow, often emotional or mental suffering. She was in great distress after hearing the news. The organization offers support to people in distress.
torment	'Torment' is used when describing severe physical or mental suffering, often prolonged and intense. He was tormented by nightmares after the accident. Her decision to leave him tormented him for years.
plague	'Plague' is used to describe something that causes continual trouble or suffering, often in a widespread manner. It can refer to both literal diseases or metaphorical problems. The town was plagued by endless rain. Guilt plagued him for weeks after the accident.

Examples of usage

He was afflicted with a rare disease.
The country was afflicted by natural disasters.
She was afflicted by grief after the loss of her loved one.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

affect negatively

To afflict can also mean to affect or trouble someone in a negative way, causing harm or difficulty.

Synonyms

damage, harm, hurt, wound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
afflict	Used to describe causing pain, suffering, or distress, often in a more abstract or widespread sense, such as illness, problems, or difficult conditions. It is typically more formal. Many communities are afflicted by poverty. The disease continues to afflict thousands each year.
harm	Describes causing physical or emotional injury or damage. It can be used for both minor and serious situations. Smoking can harm your health. His harsh words did emotional harm to her.
damage	Commonly used to refer to physical harm that reduces value, usefulness, or normal function. It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as ruining someone's reputation. The storm caused significant damage to the buildings. The scandal damaged his reputation.
hurt	Often used to describe causing pain or injury, whether physical or emotional. It is a more personal and direct term compared to others in the group. He hurt his leg playing soccer. The criticism really hurt her feelings.
wound	Typically used to describe an injury that involves a break in the skin or tissue, often from a weapon or accident. It can also be used metaphorically for emotional pain, but in a less common way. The soldier received a serious wound in battle. She was deeply wounded by his betrayal.

Examples of usage

The economic crisis afflicted millions of families.
The war afflicted the entire region.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'afflict' comes from the Latin 'afflictus', which means 'to strike down' or 'to trouble'.
Interestingly, 'afflict' is made up of the prefix 'ad-' (to) and 'flectere' (to bend), hinting at being bent down by trouble.
The term has been used in English since the 14th century, primarily relating to suffering or sadness.

Literature

In classic literature, characters affected by affliction often reflect deeper themes of resilience and human struggle.
Shakespeare frequently depicted affliction in his works, illustrating it as a part of the human condition.
Writers like John Milton in 'Paradise Lost' discussed the afflictions of mankind in the context of broader philosophical themes.

Psychology

Emotional afflictions can lead to psychological disorders, highlighting the connection between mental health and life challenges.
The impact of affliction can alter a person's perception and response to the world, influencing their behavior and relationships.
Coping mechanisms are essential for overcoming the afflictions one faces, including seeking support from friends or professionals.

Health

Certain diseases and health conditions are described as afflictions, indicating the suffering they cause.
The concept of affliction also extends to mental health, where conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly affect a person's well-being.
Historical plagues and pandemics have been described as afflictive forces affecting entire populations.

Cultural References

In various cultures, folklore contains tales of affliction, portraying it as a test of character or faith.
Religious texts often address affliction as a way to foster compassion and empathy in communities.
Modern music and art frequently explore themes of affliction, using personal experiences to unite audiences around shared struggles.

Translations

Translations of the word "afflict" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afligir

🇮🇳 पीड़ित करना

🇩🇪 plagen

🇮🇩 menyiksa

🇺🇦 завдавати страждань

🇵🇱 dręczyć

🇯🇵 苦しめる

🇫🇷 affliger

🇪🇸 afligir

🇹🇷 ıstırap vermek

🇰🇷 괴롭히다

🇸🇦 يؤلم

🇨🇿 trápit

🇸🇰 trápiť

🇨🇳 折磨

🇸🇮 mučiti

🇮🇸 kvelja

🇰🇿 азаптау

🇬🇪 წამება

🇦🇿 əziyyət vermək

🇲🇽 afligir

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,813, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21810 drizzle
21811 midrib
21812 fetching
21813 afflict
21814 erudite
21815 roughened
21816 affable
...