Afflicts

Pronunciation: /əˈflɪkts/

Definitions of afflicts

verb A verb is a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being. 'Afflicts' is a verb because it shows the action of causing pain, suffering, or trouble to someone or something.

Example Sentences

A1 The common cold afflicts many people during the winter months.

A2 A lack of sleep can afflict your ability to concentrate.

B1 Arthritis is a condition that afflicts many elderly individuals.

B2 The disease afflicts both physical and mental health.

C1 The economic crisis afflicts the entire nation, leading to high unemployment rates.

C2 The ongoing conflict afflicts the region, causing widespread suffering and displacement.

Examples of afflicts in a Sentence

formal A serious illness afflicts many individuals around the world.

informal The flu bug afflicts people every winter.

slang That new diet really afflicts me, I'm starving!

figurative The curse of procrastination afflicts students everywhere.

Grammatical Forms of afflicts

• past tense: afflicted
• plural: afflicts
• comparative: more afflicting
• superlative: most afflicting
• present tense: afflicts
• future tense: will afflict
• perfect tense: has afflicted
• continuous tense: is afflicting
• singular: afflict
• positive degree: afflicts
• infinitive: afflict
• gerund: afflicting
• participle: afflicted

Origin and Evolution of afflicts

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'afflicts' originated from the Latin word 'affligere' which means 'to strike down'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'afflicts' has retained its original meaning of causing pain or suffering, but has also come to be used in a broader sense to describe any kind of hardship or trouble that someone may experience.