To cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress. (verb)
Examples of word afflict
That he will not afflict, that is, that he will not afflict willingly; it is no pleasure to him to grieve the children of men, much less his own children.
Sundry marplots, such as afflict all public bodies did, indeed, start to their feet, but a universal cry of ` ` question '' drowned all their efforts, and Mr. Raymond's motion was carried, to all appearance unanimously.
It took place in the bed-room, where, as usual save on Sunday morning, Ada consumed her strong tea and heavily buttered toast; the state of her health -- she had frequent ailments, more or less genuine, such as afflict the indolent and brainless type of woman -- made it necessary for her to repose till a late hour.
'afflict' Rose, but let her choose, and if I'm not entirely mistaken, she will like my rig best.
At the same time, it meant “to afflict” or “to trouble.”
Social relations in America may be eased by the fact that most Americans find God more likely to comfort than to afflict.
As the chart above shows, federal government spending is not subject to the wild swings that afflict investment, so it helps to stabilize GDP and jobs--if it is big enough.
Restless legs syndrome is thought to afflict millions, though there's argument about just how many.