afflict
af·flict
/əˈflıkt/ verb , -flicts, -flict·ed, -flict·ing [ + obj ]
formal : to cause pain or suffering to (someone or something)
The disease afflicts an estimated two million people every year.
— usually used as (be) afflicted
Much of the region is afflicted by hunger and poverty.
— often + with
Most patients/people who are afflicted with the disease die within one year.
people afflicted with cancer
