The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Afflicting \Af*flict"ing\, a.
   Grievously painful; distressing; afflictive; as, an
   afflicting event. -- Af*flict"ing*ly, adv.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Afflict \Af*flict"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Afflicted; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Afflicting.] [L. afflictus, p. p. of affigere to
   cast down, deject; ad + fligere to strike: cf. OF. aflit,
   afflict, p. p. Cf. Flagellate.]
   1. To strike or cast down; to overthrow. [Obs.] "Reassembling
      our afflicted powers." --Milton.
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   2. To inflict some great injury or hurt upon, causing
      continued pain or mental distress; to trouble grievously;
      to torment.
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            They did set over them taskmasters to afflict them
            with their burdens.                   --Exod. i. 11.
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            That which was the worst now least afflicts me.
                                                  --Milton.
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   3. To make low or humble. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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            Men are apt to prefer a prosperous error before an
            afflicted truth.                      --Jer. Taylor.
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   Syn: To trouble; grieve; pain; distress; harass; torment;
        wound; hurt.
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