Social Issues

noun something that causes pain or suffering

• The patient was diagnosed with a rare genetic affliction that caused muscle weakness.
• She's been dealing with that affliction for years, but she never lets it get her down.
• I can't believe he's still dealing with that affliction, poor guy.
• His fear of failure was an affliction that held him back from pursuing his dreams.

noun a young person who is not yet fully developed

adjective relating to young people or immature behavior

• The juvenile offender was sentenced to community service.
• The young kid got in trouble with the law.
• The juvie got caught stealing from the store.
• The juvenile behavior of the team cost them the game.

noun a person who is advanced in age, especially a woman

• The old lady who lives next door always offers me cookies when I see her.
• I saw the old lady at the grocery store buying her favorite tea.
• That old lady is always gossiping about everyone in the neighborhood.
• The old lady of the sea watched over the sailors, guiding them safely to shore.

noun a law or rule that forbids something

adjective pertaining to the act of prohibiting

• The prohibition of alcohol in the United States lasted from 1920 to 1933.
• There's a strict prohibition against smoking in this area.
• I heard there's a total prohibition on bringing outside food into the movie theater.
• The prohibition of negative thinking can lead to a more positive mindset.

noun an informal social gathering or event

adjective relating to society or its organization

• Social interactions play a crucial role in forming relationships.
• I love attending social events with my friends.
• Let's hit up some social spots tonight.
• The internet has revolutionized the way we engage in social networking.

noun a source of terror or dread

• The specter of economic recession loomed over the country.
• I always feel like there's a specter following me around.
• That old house gives me the creeps, feels like there's a specter there.
• The specter of failure haunted his every move.

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.

• A serious illness afflicts many individuals around the world.
• The flu bug afflicts people every winter.
• That new diet really afflicts me, I'm starving!
• The curse of procrastination afflicts students everywhere.