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suffer
This word carries a heavy emotional and physical weight, typically evoking images of endurance under pressure or the passive reception of misfortune. It differs from "hurt" in that it often describes a prolonged state of distress or a systemic decline rather than a sudden, sharp sensation. In professional or technical contexts, the term shifts from personal pain to a loss of quality or value, such as when a project's standards drop due to lack of resources. The archaic sense of permission is now almost exclusively found in religious texts or highly formal legal prose, where it functions as a synonym for tolerate.
Meanings
To experience physical or mental pain, distress, or hardship.
"He continued to suffer in silence for many years."
To experience something unpleasant, such as a loss, injury, or defeat.
"The company suffered a huge financial loss during the recession."
To be affected by a specific illness, condition, or chronic problem.
"Many elderly people suffer from arthritis in their joints."
To become worse in quality or value because of a particular situation.
"The quality of the work suffered because of the tight deadline."