Afflictions

Affliction is a broad term for a condition that causes pain, suffering, or trouble. It encompasses physical illness, mental distress, or social hardship that impairs well-being or functioning. The word derives from Latin afflictio, from affligere “to strike down,” and has appeared in medical, religious, and literary contexts to describe burdens borne by individuals or communities.

Categories. Physical afflictions include acute illnesses, chronic diseases, injuries, or disabilities. Mental and emotional afflictions cover mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and stress-related conditions. Social and environmental afflictions arise from poverty, displacement, stigma, discrimination, or harmful living conditions that undermine health and opportunity.

Impact and response. Afflictions can affect capacity for work, relationships, and daily activities, with consequences for quality of life and economic security. Responses range from medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy to social support, legal protections, and public health interventions aimed at prevention, mitigation, and inclusion.

Use and nuance. In everyday language, affliction may carry a moral or existential undertone, especially in religious or literary writing. In clinical discourse, more precise terms—illness, disease, disability, or mental health condition—are typically preferred to describe the underlying condition. The concept remains central to discussions of health, disability, and human suffering across cultures.