Suffer

/ˈsʌfə/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to experience pain, discomfort, or hardship.

He had to suffer through a long recovery after the surgery.

to undergo a change, especially a negative one.

The region suffered severe damage from the earthquake.

to tolerate or endure something unpleasant.

She cannot suffer fools gladly and prefers to work with competent people.

to allow something to occur.

They will not suffer any mistakes during the important meeting.

Middle English 'soffren', from Old French 'sofrer', from Latin 'sufferre', meaning 'to bear, support'.

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.

to deal with something difficult

I just had to suffer through that boring meeting.

to be in a bad situation

He's really suffering after his breakup.