Affliction
As a Noun
- A state of pain, suffering, or distress, often caused by illness or hardship.
- Something that causes great physical or emotional suffering.
As Other Form
- Afflict (Verb): To cause pain or suffering to someone or something.
Word History
The word affliction comes from the Latin afflictio, meaning “a striking down” or “distress.” It originates from affligere, which means “to knock down” or “to crush,” combining ad- (to) and fligere (to strike). Over time, it came to describe deep suffering or hardship.
Examples
- The disease became a lifelong affliction for him.
- She endured the affliction of losing her loved ones.
- Poverty is a terrible affliction in many parts of the world.
Synonyms
Suffering, distress, hardship, agony, torment
Related Words
Pain, misery, grief, burden, struggle
Antonyms
Relief, comfort, ease, happiness
