1. to cause pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘afflict’

Examples

• The disease afflicts millions of people worldwide.
• Poverty afflicts many families in the region.
• A rare genetic disorder afflicts her youngest child.
• The drought afflicts farmers across the state.
• Chronic pain afflicts the elderly patient daily.
• This condition afflicts both children and adults.
• The virus afflicts the respiratory system.