afflict > define

verb

• Cause great unhappiness for; distress.
  • usage: "she was afflicted by the death of her parents"
• Cause physical pain or suffering in.
  • usage: "afflict with the plague"
  • synonyms: smite

• (v.t.) To inflict some great injury or hurt upon, causing continued pain or mental distress; to trouble grievously; to torment.
• (p.p.&a.) Afflicted.
• (v.t.) To strike or cast down; to overthrow.
• (v.t.) To make low or humble.