This is the 1083rd most frequent German word.
erlitten
"Suffered" or "endured."
Here, 'erlitten' is used to describe enduring or experiencing harm caused by an external event.
Er hat großen Schaden durch das Hochwasser erlitten.
He has suffered significant damage due to the flood.
In this sentence, 'erlitten' conveys the idea of experiencing hardship or trouble as a group.
Die Gemeinschaft hat durch die Krise viel Not erlitten.
The community has suffered much distress due to the crisis.
This usage indicates personally enduring emotional or physical pain related to an endeavor.