Meaning & Definition of word "Suffer"
to
Suffer
/ˈsʌfə/
verb:
- 1. to experience pain, discomfort, or hardship.
- Example: He had to suffer through a long recovery after the surgery.
- 2. to undergo a change, especially a negative one.
- Example: The region suffered severe damage from the earthquake.
- 3. to tolerate or endure something unpleasant.
- Example: She cannot suffer fools gladly and prefers to work with competent people.
- 4. to allow something to occur.
- Example: They will not suffer any mistakes during the important meeting.
Etymology
Middle English 'soffren', from Old French 'sofrer', from Latin 'sufferre', meaning 'to bear, support'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
suffer fools gladly:
to tolerate people who are annoying or foolish.
suffer in silence:
to endure pain or hardship without complaining.
suffer the consequences:
to experience the negative results of one's actions.
Related Words
suffering:
the state of undergoing pain or distress.
sufferer:
a person who is experiencing pain or hardship.
sufferable:
capable of being endured.
Slang Meanings of suffer
Meaning: to deal with something difficult
Example Sentence: I just had to suffer through that boring meeting.
Meaning: to be in a bad situation
Example Sentence: He's really suffering after his breakup.