Main Entry:

af·flict

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈflikt\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin afflictus, past participle of affligere to cast down, from ad- + fligere to strike — more at profligate

Date:

14th century

1obsolete a: humble b: overthrow2 a: to distress so severely as to cause persistent suffering or anguish <afflicted with arthritis> b: trouble, injure

synonyms afflict, try, torment, torture, rack mean to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear. afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress <ills that afflict the elderly>. try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control <children often try their parents' patience>. torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance <a horse tormented by flies>. torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering <tortured by a sense of guilt>. rack stresses straining or wrenching <a body racked by pain>.