English Explanatory Dictionary

afflict

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.
  2. To strike or cast down; to overthrow; to result.
  3. To make low or humble.

Pronunciation

/əˈflɪkt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-afflict.wav

Word forms

afflict afflicts afflicting afflicted

Etymology

From Middle English afflicten (attested in past participle afflicte), from Latin afflictāre (“to damage, harass, torment”), frequentative of affligere (“to dash down, overthrow”). See also af-.

Synonyms

torment torture smite ache afflict aggrieve agonize anguish dere excruciate hurt irritate pang pine rack throe wring plague atray cag distress engrieve grame harass harrow harry trouble vex rend

Related words

affliction afflictive

Derived words

afflictee afflicter afflictingly reafflict unafflicting
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