Meaning & Definition of word "Suffer"
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.