B1verb1K

Suffer

UK /["/ˈsʌfə(r)/","/ˈsʌfəz/","/ˈsʌfəd/","/ˈsʌfərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈsʌfər/","/ˈsʌfərz/","/ˈsʌfərd/","/ˈsʌfərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to be badly affected by a disease, pain, sad feelings, a lack of something, etc.

In simple words: to feel pain or distress

Examples

Many people suffer from anxiety and depression.
I cannot bear to see my friends suffer in silence.
He suffers from a rare genetic disorder.
After the accident, she had to suffer through months of rehabilitation.
Animals can suffer just like humans do when treated poorly.
People often suffer when they do not have access to basic healthcare.
Many students suffer the consequences of skipping classes.
He will suffer the consequences of his actions eventually.

Usage notes

Used when someone is experiencing pain or hardship. Avoid in casual contexts where lighter terms are appropriate.

Grammar pattern

suffer + from + condition

Memory hint

Think of a 'sufferer' who is 'suffering' greatly.

Collocations

a lot
badly
enormously
be likely to
tend to
continue to
for
from
under
suffer in silence
a lot
badly
enormously
be likely to
tend to
continue to
for
from
under
suffer in silence

Synonyms

endure
experience
agonize
withstand
tolerate

Antonyms

enjoy
thrive
prosper

Common mistakes

"Suffer with" instead of "suffer from"
Using 'suffer' without a specific condition
Mixing up 'suffer' with 'sufferer' as a verb