afflict
Translation
to afflict, to trouble, to cause suffering to
Examples
A strange illness afflicted the village.
A strange illness afflicted the village.
He was afflicted with a sense of guilt.
He was afflicted with a sense of guilt.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to cause suffering to (sb./sth.) A strange illness afflicted the village.
((sb.)) ((with sth.)) to suffer from (sth.) He was afflicted with a sense of guilt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: trouble, distress, plague
Etymology
From Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'fligere' (to strike). It suggests 'striking at' someone, causing pain.
Memory Tips
Think of how a 'conflict' can cause suffering. 'Afflict' is the verb for causing that kind of suffering.