Synonyms for afflict
- annoy
- beset
- bother
- burden
- oppress
- plague
- rack
- torment
- torture
- wound
- agonize
- crucify
- distress
- grieve
- harass
- harrow
- harry
- irk
- lacerate
- martyr
- pain
- pester
- press
- smite
- strike
- trouble
- try
- vex
- worry
Antonyms for afflict
- aid
- delight
- help
- make happy
- please
- relieve
- soothe
- assist
- be happy
- support
- comfort
- solace
- stay away from
- take care of
EXAMPLES FROM THE WEB FOR AFFLICT
Certain aspects of enforced Germanization can but afflict all outsiders.
And, on the other hand, say I had a sense of it, would it not afflict me beyond measure?
Day or night it was all one with us; never did our tormentors cease to afflict us.
The news which he had heard did afflict Lord George very much.
But these are torments which afflict the wealthy only; and for this I at least am sincerely thankful.
He does not grieve willingly, nor afflict the children of men.
He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
It gave Him no pleasure; nay, it grieved Him, when He had to afflict the children of men.
Do you afflict the stars with inquiries about the state of the ridiculous weather?
Who can tell how soon the calamity of war may afflict this country?
WORD ORIGIN
late 14c., "to cast down," from Old French aflicter, from Latin afflictare "to damage, harass, torment," frequentative of affligere (past participle afflictus) "to dash down, overthrow," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + fligere (past participle flictus) "to strike," from PIE root *bhlig- "to strike" (cf. Greek phlibein "to press, crush," Czech blizna "scar," Welsh blif "catapult"). Transferred meaning of "trouble, distress," is first recorded 1530s. Related: Afflicted; afflicting.