afflict

verb

af·​flict ə-ˈflikt How to pronounce afflict (audio)
afflicted; afflicting; afflicts

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause pain or suffering to : to distress so severely as to cause persistent suffering or anguish
people afflicted with arthritis
a region afflicted by hunger and poverty
2
obsolete
a
: humble
b
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of afflict in a Sentence

The disease afflicts an estimated two million people every year. the South was afflicted by a severe drought
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As inflation, tariffs, and other economic woes start afflicting the working class, Americans must not ignore the quiet rumble of tax reform on Capitol Hill, which poses additional concerns for those who are already struggling -- especially the most financially vulnerable among us. Jack Salmon, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025 For instance, if your potatoes and tomatoes are afflicted with black spot, don't plant your rose in the vegetable garden. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025 When the dictator refuses, a series of disasters afflict the Egyptian people. Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 That's because Hawking was afflicted with Lou Gehrig's disease and lost the ability to speak in 1985. ArsTechnica, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for afflict

Word History

Etymology

Middle English afflihten "to excite, become distressed," probably verbal derivative of affliht, aflyght "disturbed, upset," borrowed from Latin afflīctus, past participle of afflīgere "to knock or strike down, ruin, distress severely," from ad- ad- + flīgere "to strike down" — more at profligate entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of afflict was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Afflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afflict. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

afflict

verb
af·​flict ə-ˈflikt How to pronounce afflict (audio)
: to cause suffering or unhappiness to

More from Merriam-Webster on afflict

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!