The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PLAGUES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "afflictions" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case afflictions = plagues.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PLAGUES mean?
PLAGUES noun- (often used with the, sometimes capitalized: the Plague) The bubonic plague, the pestilent disease caused by the virulent bacterium Yersinia pestis.
- An epidemic or pandemic caused by any pestilence, but specifically by the above disease.
- A widespread affliction, calamity or destructive influx, especially when seen as divine retribution.
- A grave nuisance, whatever greatly irritates.
- Collective noun for common grackles
- To harass, pester or annoy someone persistently or incessantly.
- To afflict with a disease or other calamity.