Suffer
'sʌfər
Definitions
3 meaningsTo undergo or experience something painful, distressing, or undesirable.
'sʌfər
To experience or be subjected to something bad or unpleasant.
He suffered a major loss in the stock market.
💡 Simply: Imagine getting a bad grade on a test. You *suffer* when something unpleasant happens to you, like the disappointment you feel after not doing well.
👶 For kids: To feel bad or hurt.
More Examples
Many people suffer from allergies during the spring.
She suffered a broken arm after the accident.
How It's Used
"She suffered a great deal during the war."
"The patient suffers from chronic back pain."
To be affected by something negative or damaging.
'sʌfər
To be affected by or undergo something.
The economy suffered during the recession.
💡 Simply: Like a plant that doesn't get enough water (*suffers* from drought), or a team that doesn't score any goals (*suffers* a defeat).
👶 For kids: When something bad happens to something.
More Examples
The city suffered damage from the hurricane.
Her reputation suffered after the scandal.
How It's Used
"The plant suffered from a lack of sunlight."
"The company suffered losses last quarter."
To experience physical or mental pain or distress.
'sʌfər
To experience pain or distress of body or mind.
He suffered the loss of his job with dignity.
💡 Simply: Imagine feeling very sad and overwhelmed about something that is bothering you, or feeling pain from an injury. When you feel that way, you *suffer*.
👶 For kids: To feel really, really bad.
More Examples
The family suffered from poverty during the winter.
She suffers from panic attacks.
How It's Used
"The old man suffered greatly from his injury."
"She has been suffering from anxiety for years."
Synonyms
Bear
Endure
Experience
Feel
Sustain
Decline
Deteriorate
Lose
Ache
Grieve
Hurt
Idioms & expressions
suffer fools gladly
To tolerate foolish or stupid people.
"I don't suffer fools gladly, so don't waste my time with nonsense."
suffer in silence
To endure pain or hardship without complaining or seeking help.
"He preferred to suffer in silence rather than burden others with his problems."
From Old French *sofrir* and Latin *sufferre* (to bear, endure), from *sub* (under) + *ferre* (to bear, carry).
The word 'suffer' has been used since Middle English, initially meaning to allow or permit, but gradually taking on its current meaning of experiencing hardship or pain.
Memory tip
Think of it as experiencing an event that causes pain or hardship.