Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This isn’t unique to religion—it afflicts any organization that produces collective goods.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Another goal of Measure A is to reduce the number of people on the street suffering from severe mental illness, which according to the latest census afflicts more than 15,000 of the county’s homeless people.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2024

To get coverage they need support, and to get support they need coverage - the vicious circle that afflicts all but the two main parties in Westminster.

From BBC • May 31, 2024

This language disorder afflicts more than 1 in 300 Americans each year, including Wendy Williams and Bruce Willis.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

People say he’s angry, and hermitlike, but it's loneliness that afflicts him.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry