-kshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English affliccioun, from Middle French affliction, from Latin affliction-, afflictio, from afflictus + -ion-, -io -ion — more at afflict
1. obsolete : act of afflicting ; specifically : self-mortification
2. : the state of being afflicted; a state of pain, distress, or grief
some virtues are seen only in affliction — Joseph Addison
3. : the cause of continued pain or distress of body or mind (as illness or losses) ; also : the pain, distress, or grief resulting from such a cause
the dark and senseless afflictions of a nightmare — Kenneth Roberts
Synonyms: see trial