Afflict (&unr_;), 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.[1913 Webster]
2. To inflict some great injury or hurt upon, causing continued pain or mental distress; to trouble grievously; to torment.[1913 Webster]
They did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens.
That which was the worst now least afflicts me.
3. To make low or humble. [Obs.] Spenser.[1913 Webster]
Men are apt to prefer a prosperous error before an afflicted truth.
Syn. -- To trouble; grieve; pain; distress; harass; torment; wound; hurt.[1913 Webster]
Afflict, p. p. & a. [L. afflictus, p. p.] Afflicted. [Obs.] Becon.[1913 Webster]