Afflict
/əˈflɪkt/noun
To cause pain or suffering to someone or something.
Did you know?The term 'afflict' is rooted in Latin, where it was used in contexts of being struck or smitten by divine punishment, linking it to both physical pain and spiritual torment.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
afflictus
“Struck down or beaten.”
Middle English
Middle English
afflicten
“To cause distress or suffering.”
Old French
Old French
aflicter
“To torment or cause pain.”
Modern English
English
afflict
“To impose suffering or hardship upon.”