afflictive

[uh-flik-tiv]

adjective

1. characterized by or causing pain, distress, or grief; distressing.

Other Word Forms

• afflictively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of afflictive¹

First recorded in 1605–15; afflict + -ive

Example Sentences

The standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners state: "Prison labour must not be of an afflictive nature."

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In the one, it is an expression of resignation to the Father's afflictive dispensations; in the other, the heartfelt desire to work out the revealed will of God in all the many-sided aspects of life.

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In hostile opposition to; unfavorable; unpropitious; contrary to one's wishes; unfortunate; calamitous; afflictive; hurtful; as, adverse fates, adverse circumstances, things adverse.

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The presence of ladies, and the absence of liquors, were the most commendable features of this festivity, which was convened at an absurdly late hour, and characterized by an afflictive amount of dull speaking.

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The prudence and martial abilities of the king enabled him, however, soon to suppress these afflictive and unnatural seditions.

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