suffer Definition
- 1experience or be subjected to something bad or unpleasant
- 2become worse in quality
- 3allow (someone) to do something without interference even though one does not approve
Using suffer: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "suffer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She suffered a heart attack.
Example
The company's profits have suffered in recent years.
Example
I cannot suffer fools gladly.
Example
He suffered from a lack of confidence.
Example
The team suffered a defeat in the final.
suffer Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with suffer
Example
She suffers from arthritis.
Example
He was suffering in silence, too proud to ask for help.
Example
If you break the law, you must be prepared to suffer the consequences.
Origins of suffer
from Old French 'sofrir', based on Latin 'sub-' meaning 'below' and 'ferre' meaning 'to bear'
Summary: suffer in Brief
The verb 'suffer' [ˈsʌfər] means to experience or undergo something unpleasant or bad. It can also mean to become worse in quality or to allow someone to do something without interference. Examples include 'She suffered a heart attack,' and 'I cannot suffer fools gladly.' Phrases include 'suffer from,' 'suffer in silence,' and 'suffer the consequences.'