heimgesucht
Translation
afflicted, plagued, stricken, haunted
Examples
Das Land wurde von einer Dürre heimgesucht.
The country was afflicted by a drought.
Er wird von schrecklichen Erinnerungen heimgesucht.
He is haunted by terrible memories.
Grammar Patterns
von et3 heimgesucht werden to be afflicted by sth. The village was heimgesucht by an earthquake.
Similar Words
geplagt (plagued), betroffen (affected), getroffen (struck)
Etymology
From 'Heim' (home) and 'gesucht' (past participle of 'suchen', to seek). The idea is of something unwelcome 'seeking out' one's home.
Memory Tips
Imagine something bad 'seeking' ('suchen') you out at your 'Heim' (home). It's an unwelcome visit.