TOLL

(SUFFERING) [noun] [U] - suffering, deaths or damageIndependent sources say that the civilian death toll runs into thousands.If something takes its toll/takes a toll/exacts a toll, it causes suffering, deaths or damage.The problems of the past few months have taken their toll on her health and there are shadows beneath her eyes.The deepening recession has also taken its toll in the south of the country, where unemployment is rife.Any lengthy period of separation inevitably takes its toll on a relationship.Malaria exacts a heavy toll of illness and death in this region, especially among children.