Afflicting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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afflicting
[ษหflษชktษชล ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
Medical Context
- In medicine, afflicting can describe diseases that cause suffering or distress.
- Many chronic conditions are referred to as afflictions because they persistently trouble individuals.
- Mental health issues can also be considered afflictions due to their impact on emotional well-being.
Literature
- Classic literature often uses affliction to depict characters' struggles, giving depth to their journeys.
- Shakespeare frequently explored themes of affliction in plays, highlighting human suffering and resilience.
- In modern narratives, affliction can symbolize personal growth through overcoming challenges.
Psychology
- Experiencing affliction can lead to increased empathy, as individuals relate to othersโ pain.
- Research shows that coping with affliction can build resilience and strength over time.
- Mindfulness practices often help individuals manage feelings of affliction by promoting acceptance and awareness.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures have varied beliefs on affliction, often attributing it to fate or divine will.
- In some traditions, enduring affliction is seen as a path to spiritual enlightenment or growth.
- Folklore in numerous cultures includes stories of heroes overcoming affliction, symbolizing hope and bravery.
Origin of 'afflicting'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'afflict' comes from the Latin 'afflictus', which means 'to strike down'.
- It was first used in English around the late 14th century.
- The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' and 'flict' comes from 'fligere', meaning 'to strike'.
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.