A transitive verb meaning to cause physical pain or torment someone (to hurt, to afflict physically).
その病気が長年彼を苦しめた。
That illness tormented him for many years.
高熱に苦しめられて眠れなかった。
Tormented by a high fever, I couldn't sleep.
怪我で足を苦しめられて歩くのがつらい。
My injured leg is causing me pain and making it hard to walk.
To harass or distress someone emotionally; to cause psychological or emotional pain or trouble.
上司の理不尽な指示が部下を苦しめている。
The boss's unreasonable orders are harassing the subordinates.
彼の裏切りが彼女を深く苦しめた。
His betrayal deeply distressed her.
難問に学生たちは苦しめられている。
Students are being stumped by the difficult problems.