Afflicting: meaning, definitions and examples

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afflicting

 

[ əˈflɪktɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

causing distress

Afflicting refers to causing pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something. It is often used in contexts where an illness, problem, or troubling situation adversely affects individuals or groups.

Synonyms

distressing, tormenting, troubling

Examples of usage

  • The disease is afflicting many in the community.
  • She is afflicting emotional pain on herself by remembering the past.
  • Pollution is afflicting marine life in the area.

Translations

Translations of the word "afflicting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afligindo

🇮🇳 पीड़ित करना

🇩🇪 plagen

🇮🇩 menyiksa

🇺🇦 завдаючи страждань

🇵🇱 cierpiący

🇯🇵 苦しむ

🇫🇷 affligeant

🇪🇸 afligiendo

🇹🇷 ızdırap vermek

🇰🇷 괴롭히는

🇸🇦 يؤذي

🇨🇿 trápící

🇸🇰 trapiaci

🇨🇳 折磨

🇸🇮 trpinčiti

🇮🇸 þrengja

🇰🇿 азап шеккізу

🇬🇪 აწუხებს

🇦🇿 əziyyət verən

🇲🇽 afligiendo

Etymology

The word 'afflict' originated from the Latin 'affligere', which means 'to strike down' or 'to dash against'. It is composed of the prefix 'ad-', meaning 'to' or 'toward', and 'fligere', meaning 'to strike'. The term entered Middle English in the late 14th century, and since then, it has been used to describe various forms of suffering, whether physical or emotional. Over the centuries, 'afflict' has expanded to also encompass mental and social adversities, reflecting a broader understanding of what it means to suffer or be burdened by challenges.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,804, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.