Stricken

The term 'stricken' refers to someone who is affected deeply by a severe emotional or physical impact. It often describes a state of being overwhelmed, afflicted, or wounded, either literally or figuratively, that leaves a person in a condition of distress, sorrow, or suffering. This powerful adjective conveys an intense experience of loss or adversity.

Stricken meaning with examples

• After hearing about the tragedy that impacted her community, Maria walked through the streets, stricken by the overwhelming sadness of those around her. The grief was palpable, and she felt a shared heartache that connected her to everyone, despite her personal life being relatively untroubled.
• When Tom was stricken with illness, he found himself confined to his bed for weeks. The sudden change from a bustling life to solitude left him feeling desolate and anxious, as he battled both physical pain and the emotional weight of isolation from friends and family.
• News of the devastating earthquake left the nation stricken with disbelief. As images of the destruction flooded their screens, citizens gathered to support those affected, their hearts heavy with empathy for lives disrupted and hopes shattered by the monumental disaster.
• The stricken expression on her face gave away her internal turmoil. As she relayed the heartbreaking news about her daughter's accident, the pain in her eyes mirrored the shock and grief she could hardly articulate, revealing the depth of her sorrow.
• Though she had tried to remain upbeat, Emma felt stricken after receiving rejection from her dream university. Each rejection letter weighed heavily, chipping away at her confidence, leaving her grappling with self-doubt and the desire to prove her worth in a competitive world.