afflict
Translation
to cause pain or suffering to, to trouble
Examples
The country was afflicted by famine.
The country was afflicted by famine.
He is afflicted with a rare disease.
He is afflicted with a rare disease.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) ((with sth.)) to cause suffering to (sb./sth.) with (sth.) He is afflicted with a rare disease.
to be afflicted by ((sth.)) to be caused suffering by (sth.) The country was afflicted by famine.
Similar Words
Synonyms: trouble, burden, distress, plague; Antonyms: comfort, relieve, soothe
Etymology
From Latin 'affligere', meaning 'to strike down', from 'ad-' (to) + 'fligere' (to strike).
Memory Tips
Imagine a conflict that 'strikes' you down, causing suffering.