afflict
af.flict \*-'flikt\ vt [ME afflicten, fr. L afflictus, pp. of affligere to
cast down], fr. ad- + fligere to strike - more at PROFLIGATE obs 1a:
HUMBLE, OVERTHROW 2a: to distress severely so as to cause continued
suffering 2b: TROUBLE, INJURE MAFFLICT is a general term applying to the
causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any
distress; TRY suggests imposing something that puts a strain on the powers
of endurance or of self-control; TORMENT suggests persecution or the
repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance; TORTURE adds the implication
of causing to writhe with unbearable pain; RACK stresses straining or
wrenching; GRILL suggests causing acute discomfort as by long and
relentless questioning SYN syn TRY, TORMENT, TORTURE, RACK, GRILL: