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Disturb vs Afflict - What's the difference?

disturb | afflict | Related terms |

Disturb is a related term of afflict.


In lang=en terms the difference between disturb and afflict

is that disturb is to have a negative emotional impact; to cause emotional distress or confusion while afflict is to cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.

In obsolete|lang=en terms the difference between disturb and afflict

is that disturb is (obsolete) disturbance while afflict is (obsolete) to make low or humble.

As verbs the difference between disturb and afflict

is that disturb is to confuse a quiet, constant state or a calm, continuous flow, in particular: thoughts, actions or liquids while afflict is to cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.

As a noun disturb

is (obsolete) disturbance.

disturb

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • to confuse a quiet, constant state or a calm, continuous flow, in particular: thoughts, actions or liquids.
    • The noisy ventilation disturbed me during the exam.
    The performance was disturbed twice by a ringing mobile phone.
    A school of fish disturbed the water.
  • to divert, redirect, or alter by disturbing.
    • A mudslide disturbed the course of the river.
    The trauma disturbed his mind.
  • * Milton
    • disturb his inmost counsels from their destined aim
  • to have a negative emotional impact; to cause emotional distress or confusion.
    • A disturbing film that tries to explore the mind of a serial killer.
    His behaviour is very disturbing .

    Derived terms

    * disturbance

    Noun

  • (obsolete) disturbance
    • (Milton)

    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.