1.
to torment, to cause suffering
To inflict pain or distress on someone.
人を苦しめる。
To torment someone.
病気が彼を苦しめた。
The illness tormented him.
悩みが心を苦しめる。
Worries torment the heart.
苦しめる is a transitive ichidan verb meaning to torment or cause suffering to someone.
TRANSITIVE/INTRANSITIVE PAIR:
- 苦しめる (他動詞): to torment, cause suffering
- 苦しむ (自動詞): to suffer
CONJUGATION:
- 苦しめる (dictionary form)
- 苦しめない (negative)
- 苦しめた (past)
- 苦しめられる (passive)
COMMON SUBJECTS:
- 病気が〜を苦しめる: illness torments ~
- 悩みが〜を苦しめる: worries torment ~
- 思い出が〜を苦しめる: memories torment ~
USAGE NOTE:
Can have people, illnesses, memories, or abstract concepts as the subject causing the suffering.