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afflict   —   inflict

“Afflict” is a verb and is usually found in its past participle from in the sense of ‘a passive suffering from something’,

e.g.

Mr. Solomon is afflicted with arthritis.

My aunt was sadly afflicted by the news of her dog’s death.

“Inflict” is a verb and it means ‘to cause direct physical or mental suffering, often caused deliberately’. The common preposition that follows it is ‘on’.

e.g.

The guard dog inflicted severe wounds on the burglar.

She wants to inflict punishment on her husband.

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