suffer
UK: ˈsʌfə | US: ˈsʌfər
vt. to experience or undergo something painful or unpleasant
vi. to tolerate or endure hardship
vt. to allow or permit (archaic)
The word suffer originates from Latin sufferre (sub- + ferre), literally "to bear under." It entered Middle English via Old French sofrir, retaining the core idea of enduring pain or hardship. The prefix suf- (a variant of sub-) suggests a passive or involuntary experience, while -fer emphasizes the act of carrying a burden. Over time, the word narrowed from general endurance to specifically denote painful experiences.
She had to suffer through years of chronic pain.
Many civilians suffer during times of war.
The ancient law allowed the king to suffer no dissent.
Plants suffer if they don’t receive enough sunlight.
He refused to suffer fools gladly.