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Sufferer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sufferer

[ˈsʌfərər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mental health

A person who experiences pain, distress, or hardship, especially as a result of a physical or mental health condition.

Synonyms

afflicted person, patient, victim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sufferer

Use this word when referring to someone enduring pain or hardship, often related to chronic illnesses or difficult conditions.

  • He is a sufferer of chronic migraines.
  • The organization provides support to sufferers of mental health issues.
patient

Commonly used in healthcare settings to describe someone who is receiving medical care or treatment.

  • The patient needs to take these medications twice a day.
  • Hospital staff are trained to handle patients in emergency situations.
victim

This word is generally used to describe someone who has suffered from a crime, accident, or any other unfavorable event. It can carry a negative connotation.

  • She was a victim of a robbery last night.
  • The victims of the earthquake are receiving aid from various organizations.
afflicted person

This term is more formal and often used in medical or serious contexts to describe someone affected by a disease or condition.

  • The afflicted person showed signs of improvement after the treatment.
  • Doctors are working to find a cure for afflicted persons with rare diseases.

Examples of usage

  • The support group is for sufferers of anxiety and depression.
  • Many sufferers of chronic pain feel isolated and misunderstood by others.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person who is affected by something unpleasant or harmful.

Synonyms

recipient, target, victim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sufferer

This word is typically used for someone experiencing pain, distress, or hardship, often due to illness or personal circumstances.

  • The charity provides support for cancer sufferers.
  • As a long-term sufferer of migraine headaches, she has tried numerous treatments.
victim

Use this word for someone harmed or affected by an unfortunate event, crime, or adverse condition. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • The victims of the natural disaster received aid from several organizations.
  • He was a victim of identity theft last year.
recipient

Use this word when referring to someone who receives something, such as a gift, award, or benefit.

  • The recipient of the Nobel Prize gave a moving speech.
  • All scholarship recipients must maintain a certain GPA.
target

This word is used when describing someone who is the focus of an attack, criticism, or negative action. It can also refer to the aim or goal of an action or activity.

  • The company became a target for hackers.
  • She set a target to read 50 books this year.

Examples of usage

  • The sufferer of a broken heart found solace in music.
  • She was a sufferer of discrimination in the workplace.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Suffering can be both physical and emotional, often leading to studies in mental health about coping mechanisms and resilience.
  • In psychology, understanding the experience of sufferers helps therapists create tailored approaches to healing.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often aims to reduce suffering by changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore suffering as a key theme, such as in Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment', where characters undergo profound inner turmoil.
  • The concept of the 'suffering artist' highlights how personal pain can fuel creativity and expression in writing and art.
  • Poets like John Milton and Emily Dickinson often portray suffering as a pathway to personal insight and reflection.

Health

  • The study of suffering is essential in medicine, where understanding a patient's experience helps guide treatment strategies.
  • Chronic pain conditions often classify individuals as sufferers, highlighting the need for empathy and support in healthcare.
  • Pain management strategies aim to alleviate the suffering experienced by individuals, emphasizing quality of life.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures view suffering in varying lights, with some seeing it as a part of life, while others strive to minimize or eliminate it.
  • Religious texts often discuss the idea of suffering, portraying it as a trial leading to greater spiritual strength or enlightenment.
  • In certain philosophies, suffering is viewed positively, as a teacher that can lead to personal growth and understanding.

Origin of 'sufferer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sufferre', meaning 'to bear' or 'to endure', emphasizing the act of experiencing pain.
  • It has been used in English since the early 14th century, reflecting a long history of describing those in distress.
  • Related terms include 'suffering' and 'suffer', both indicating a state or action of enduring hardship.

The word 'sufferer' originated from the Middle English word 'suffrere', which came from the Old French word 'soffrir', meaning 'to endure, undergo'. The term has been used for centuries to describe individuals experiencing pain, distress, or hardship.

See also: insufferable, insufferably, suffer, sufferers, suffering, suffrage.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,272, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.