Meaning

• Verb

  1. To habitually go to (someone in distress, sickness etc.) to comfort them. (Now generally merged into later senses, below.)
  2. To go and meet (a person) as an act of friendliness or sociability.
  3. Of God: to appear to (someone) to comfort, bless, or chastise or punish them. (Now generally merged into later senses, below.)
  4. To punish, to inflict harm upon (someone or something).
  5. Of a sickness, misfortune etc.: to afflict (someone).
  6. To inflict punishment, vengeance for (an offense) on or upon someone.
  7. To go to (a shrine, temple etc.) for worship. (Now generally merged into later senses, below.)
  8. To go to (a place) for pleasure, on an errand, etc.

• Noun