to afflict / haunt
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to afflict
Refers to something negative, such as a disaster, illness, or misfortune, that strikes a place or person and causes great suffering.
Die Küstenregion wurde von einer schweren Sturmflut heimgesucht.
The coastal region was afflicted by a severe storm surge.
'Heimsuchen' (to afflict/haunt) is a separable verb. The prefix 'heim' appears at the end of the main clause, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between 'heim' and 'suchen'.
Die Dürre suchte das ganze Land heim.
The drought afflicted the whole country.
The word consists of 'heim' (home) and 'suchen' (to search/seek). Figuratively, it describes how a misfortune or bad memory seeks out a person or place in their safest place — at home. That is why the word always has a strongly negative meaning.
Ein schweres Erdbeben suchte die Insel heim.
A severe earthquake afflicted the island.
This verb belongs to an elevated, often literary or journalistic style. It is rarely used in everyday colloquial speech.
Die Pest suchte im Mittelalter weite Teile Europas heim.
The plague afflicted large parts of Europe in the Middle Ages.
The context reveals the exact meaning. If a place (a city, a country) is the object, it is about a disaster. If a person is the object, negative thoughts or memories are usually meant.
Die Flutkatastrophe suchte das gesamte Tal heim.
The flood disaster afflicted the entire valley.
to meet / to hit
'treffen' and 'heimsuchen' can both express that something negative burdens a person or place. 'treffen' is much more general and neutral. A misfortune, illness, or piece of news can affect someone. 'heimsuchen' is stronger and sounds more serious, often also somewhat elevated. It is especially suitable for disasters, illnesses, or fears that cause suffering for a long time or repeatedly. Learners may confuse the words because in German you say that a misfortune 'trifft' someone. But 'heimsuchen' is used only when the negative thing has a very burdensome effect.
Nach dem Unfall suchen ihn jede Nacht schlimme Erinnerungen heim.
After the accident, terrible memories haunt him every night.
Die schlechte Nachricht trifft die Familie sehr hart.
The bad news hits the family very hard.