What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Agonize vs Afflict - What's the difference?

agonize | afflict |

In lang=en terms the difference between agonize and afflict

is that agonize is to struggle; to wrestle; to strive desperately while afflict is to cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.

As verbs the difference between agonize and afflict

is that agonize is to writhe with agony; to suffer violent anguish while afflict is to cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.

agonize

English

Alternative forms

* agonise

Verb

(agoniz)
  • To writhe with agony; to suffer violent anguish.
  • * (Alexander Pope):
    • To smart and agonize at every pore.
  • To struggle; to wrestle; to strive desperately.
  • * 1898 , , (Moonfleet), chapter 3:
    • So I took a last stare round, agonizing to see if there was any way of escape; but the stone walls and roof were solid enough to crush me, and the stack of casks too closely packed to hide more than a rat.

    Related terms

    * agon, agony

    afflict

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.
  • * 1611 , 1:11–12:
    • Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict' them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they ' afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
  • * 1611 , 23:27:
    • Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • (obsolete) To strike or cast down; to overthrow.
  • * Milton
    • reassembling our afflicted powers
  • (obsolete) To make low or humble.
    • (Spenser)
  • * Jeremy Taylor
    • Men are apt to prefer a prosperous error before an afflicted truth.