as in to plague
to cause persistent suffering to
the South was afflicted by a severe drought he's been afflicted by nightmares ever since the accident
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Recent Examples of afflict
The new agreement comes at a moment when both schools are thriving despite the many troubles that currently afflict the nation’s colleges and universities.
—
Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025
And the incident, though brief, highlighted the flaws of an antiquated air traffic control system long afflicted by staffing shortages.
—Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
Violent crime, meanwhile, is a scourge afflicting every community.
—Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
Cucumbers are also susceptible to powdery mildew, a problem that afflicts many zinnias.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for afflict
Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025
And the incident, though brief, highlighted the flaws of an antiquated air traffic control system long afflicted by staffing shortages.
—Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
Violent crime, meanwhile, is a scourge afflicting every community.
—Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
Cucumbers are also susceptible to powdery mildew, a problem that afflicts many zinnias.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for afflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for afflict
Verb
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Much of the documentary explores Walters' insecurities, which plagued her despite her incredible accomplishments.—
Gillian Telling,
People.com,
16 June 2025
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Orders at last year's Farnborough were notably weaker, with supply chain challenges continuing to plague the industry.—
Jenni Reid,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
16 June 2025
Verb
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In 1968 a Jewish Dutch woman named Selma Vos was persecuted to death along with her husband, Cao Richang, an eminent psychologist who had helped found the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.—
Nan Z. Da
June 10,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2025
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Abrego Garcia was subject to a 2019 withholding order by a judge forbidding his removal to El Salvador because of concerns he would be persecuted there.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Afflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afflict. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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