Affli'ction. n.s. [afflictio, Lat.]

1. The cause of pain or sorrow; calamity.

   To the flesh, as the Apostle himself granteth, all affliction is naturally grievous: therefore nature, which causeth fear, teacheth to pray against all adversity. Hooker, b. v. § 48.

   We'll bring you to Windsor, to one Mr. Brook, that you have cozened of money; I think, to repay that money will be a biting affliction. Shakesp. Merry Wives of Windsor.

2. The state of sorrowfulness; misery: opposed to prosperity.

                           Besides you know,
   Prosperity's the very bond of love,
   Whose fresh complexion, and whose heart together
   Affliction alters. Shakesp. Winter's Tale.

   Where shall we find the man that bears affliction,
   Great and majestic in his griefs, like Cato? Addis. Cato.

   Some virtues are only seen in affliction, and some in prosperity. Addison. Spectator, № 257.