affliction

[ uh-flik-shuhn ]

noun

1. a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery:

   They sympathized with us in our affliction.

   Antonyms: solace, comfort, relief

2. a cause of mental or bodily pain, as sickness, loss, calamity, or persecution.

   Synonyms: disaster, catastrophe, calamity, tribulation, trouble, mishap

affliction

/ əˈflɪkʃən /

noun

1. a condition of great distress, pain, or suffering
2. something responsible for physical or mental suffering, such as a disease, grief, etc

Other Words From

• af·fliction·less adjective
• over·af·fliction noun
• preaf·fliction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of affliction¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English affliccioun, from Latin afflīctiōn-, stem of afflīctiō; equivalent to afflict + -ion

Synonym Study

Affliction, adversity, misfortune, trial refer to an event or circumstance that is hard to bear. A misfortune is any adverse or unfavorable occurrence: He had the misfortune to break his leg. Affliction suggests not only a serious misfortune but the emotional effect of this: Blindness is an affliction. Adversity suggests a calamity or distress: Job remained patient despite all his adversities. Trial emphasizes the testing of one's character in undergoing misfortunes, trouble, etc.: His son's conduct was a great trial to him.

Example Sentences

My condition seemed to echo the larger affliction overtaking the land, a reminder of the profound toll that tumultuous times exact upon both body and spirit.

From Salon

Or a person with this affliction will just make words up to fill in the gaps.

From Salon

Or so they think, until they come across a support group of “listeners” who may hold the key to understanding their affliction, if it’s to be seen an an affliction at all.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s so tempting to curse this rare affliction that can leave anyone in its clutches feeling helpless.

From Los Angeles Times

That, and having a sweet tooth — a shared affliction with this writer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• calamity
• disease
• disorder
• hardship
• illness
• infirmity
• misery
• pain
• scourge
• sickness
• suffering
• torment
• woe