/ eɪl; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
( formal ) to cause problems for sb/sth :
They discussed the problems ailing the steel industry.
2.
( old use ) to make sb ill / sick :
What is ailing you?
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English eglian , eglan , from egle troublesome , of Germanic origin; related to Gothic agls disgraceful.