afflict

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