The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word AFFLICT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
F
F
L
I
C
T
More clues leading to the result AFFLICT
- Trouble a couple of females, soundly defeated
- Fact: if swimming round lake, that’s trouble
- Nice cop admitted to back trouble
- Cause pain to stern arresting French cop
- Line adopted by FIFA fixed court trouble
- Performance involving two females left this person in distress
- Trouble getting fit with calf out of shape
- A couple of fellows drunk caught in distress greatly
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "trouble" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case trouble = afflict.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 AFFLICT mean?
AFFLICT verb- To cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.
- To strike or cast down; to overthrow.
- To make low or humble.