First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
afflict
verb af·flict \ə-ˈflikt\
: to cause pain or suffering to (someone or something)
Full Definition of AFFLICT
transitive verb
2
See afflict defined for English-language learners
See afflict defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of AFFLICT
Middle English, from Latin afflictus, past participle of affligere to cast down, from ad- + fligere to strike — more at profligate
Related to AFFLICT
Synonym Discussion of AFFLICT
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>.
AFFLICT Defined for Kids
afflict
verb af·flict \ə-ˈflikt\
af·flict·edaf·flict·ing
Definition of AFFLICT for Kids
: to cause pain or unhappiness to <An unusual illness afflicted the young girl.>
Learn More About AFFLICT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: afflictednessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: afflatusAll Words Near: afflict
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up afflict? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).