suffer
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to undergo or feel pain or distress.
The patient is still suffering.
-
to sustain injury, disadvantage, or loss.
One's health suffers from overwork. The business suffers from lack of capital.
-
to undergo a penalty, as of death.
The traitor was made to suffer on the gallows.
-
to endure pain, disability, death, etc., patiently or willingly.
verb (used with object)
-
to undergo, be subjected to, or endure (pain, distress, injury, loss, or anything unpleasant).
to suffer the pangs of conscience.
- Synonyms:
- sustain
-
to undergo or experience (any action, process, or condition).
to suffer change.
-
to tolerate or allow.
I do not suffer fools gladly.
verb
-
to undergo or be subjected to (pain, punishment, etc)
-
(tr) to undergo or experience (anything)
to suffer a change of management
-
(intr) to be set at a disadvantage
this author suffers in translation
-
to be prepared to endure (pain, death, etc)
he suffers for the cause of freedom
-
archaic (tr) to permit (someone to do something)
suffer the little children to come unto me
-
-
to be ill with, esp recurrently
-
to be given to
he suffers from a tendency to exaggerate
-
Usage
It is better to avoid using the words suffer and sufferer in relation to chronic illness or disability. They may be considered demeaning and disempowering. Suitable alternative are have , experience , be diagnosed with
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of suffer
First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English suff(e)ren, from Latin sufferre, from suf- suf- ( def. ) + ferre “to bring, carry”; compare Old French sofrir, from Vulgar Latin sufferīre (unrecorded); see also bear 1 ( def. ), -phore ( def. )
Explanation
The verb suffer means to feel pain or something equally unpleasant. You'd probably do anything you could to be sure your beloved cat didn't suffer when she got old and sick. You can suffer from the pain of a broken leg, but you can also suffer from shyness, regret, poverty, or any number of unpleasant things. You can even describe something that becomes worse using the word suffer, like when someone's grades suffer during soccer season. The root of suffer is the Latin word sufferre, to bear, undergo, or endure. That's why someone who doesn't suffer fools gladly won't put up with nonsense.
Vocabulary lists containing suffer
The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Experts warn that as more vehicle production, battery technology and software development shifts towards China, manufacturing hubs in South East Asia and Europe could suffer, affecting jobs and local economies.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
Jena is among one billion people recorded by the World Health Organization who suffer from vision problems but lack the means to correct them.
From Barron's • May 27, 2026
Not only would those with unintended pregnancies would suffer, but also those who were miscarrying or had emergency situations like ectopic pregnancies.
From Salon • May 26, 2026
Her approval rating slipped to about 30% in three private polls conducted last month as Venezuelans suffer under hyperinflation, high unemployment and power outages.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
I sit on the horse blanket, bone-weary but not yet tired enough to lie down and suffer the indignities of vermin and mildew.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
