from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Afflict \Af*flict"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Afflicted}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Afflicting}.] [L. afflictus, p. p. of affigere to
cast down, deject; ad + fligere to strike: cf. OF. aflit,
afflict, p. p. Cf. {Flagellate}.]
1. To strike or cast down; to overthrow. [Obs.] "Reassembling
our afflicted powers." --Milton.
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2. To inflict some great injury or hurt upon, causing
continued pain or mental distress; to trouble grievously;
to torment.
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They did set over them taskmasters to afflict them
with their burdens. --Exod. i. 11.
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That which was the worst now least afflicts me.
--Milton.
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3. To make low or humble. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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Men are apt to prefer a prosperous error before an
afflicted truth. --Jer. Taylor.
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Syn: To trouble; grieve; pain; distress; harass; torment;
wound; hurt.
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