afflictive

In “The Torturer’s Assistant,” the narrator explains the tricks of his trade: “The main thing in torture, naturally, is the patient himself and his most fragile, most vulnerable, most accessible parts; in short, his afflictive potential.”

L’Heureux’s own expertise is in our sites of afflictive potential.

The standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners state: "Prison labour must not be of an afflictive nature."

This of course was in direct violation of the General’s orders, but was no less afflictive to the poor sufferers on this account.

But Democratic lawmakers can make the process afflictive.