# afflict

> English word · Verb · IPA /əˈflɪkt/ · frequency rank #57,204

## Definitions
1. To cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.
2. To strike or cast down; to overthrow; to result.
3. To make low or humble.

## Etymology
From Middle English afflicten (attested in past participle afflicte), from Latin afflictāre (“to damage, harass, torment”), frequentative of affligere (“to dash down, overthrow”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/afflict