Words / C1

uh-FLIKT/əˈflɪkt/

To afflict is to cause pain, trouble, or suffering, often of a disease, shortage, or group: a region afflicted by drought, afflicted with doubt. Trouble is everyday; plague is stronger; relieve sits opposite. Understaffing is a rota fact, not a training brand.

Meaning

To cause pain, trouble, or suffering, often of a disease, shortage, or group.

Examples

• “Staff shortages that afflict the night sitting are a rota fact, not “resilience training”.”
• “Trouble is everyday. Plague is heavier. Beset is a cousin. Resilience is a poster. A blank on the rota is a hole. Fill the name; keep the poster for the stairs if you must.”

Good to know

Cause suffering (to a person or group). Everyday: trouble. Stronger: plague. A shortage is a rota fact, not training copy.

Near in meaning

trouble

New