This is the 1780th most frequent Spanish word.
afectar
To influence or have an impact on something or someone.
Here, 'afectar' is used to mean 'to have an impact or influence on something'.
El cambio climático puede afectar a las generaciones futuras.
Climate change can affect future generations.
In this sentence, 'afectar' conveys 'to cause emotional or mental impact'.
Le afecta mucho la noticia del accidente.
The news of the accident affects him a lot.
The usage of 'afectar' here denotes 'to adversely influence functionality or condition'.