— afflictedness , n. — afflicter , n.
/euh flikt"/ , v.t.
1. to distress with mental or bodily pain; trouble greatly or grievously: to be afflicted with arthritis.
2. Obs.
a. to overthrow; defeat.
b. to humble.
[ 1350-1400; ME afflicten afflictus distressed, ptp. of affligere to cast down ( af- AF- + flig- knock + -tus ptp. suffix); r. ME aflight aflit ]
Syn. 1. vex, harass, torment, plague.