v.
Pronunciation: ə - ' flikt
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
1 obsolete a : HUMBLE b : OVERTHROW
2 a : to distress so severely as to cause persistent suffering or anguish < afflict ed 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>.