inflict

verb

in·​flict in-ˈflikt 

inflicted; inflicting; inflicts

transitive verb

1

a

: to give by or as if by striking

inflict a painful sting

inflict damage

b

: to cause (something unpleasant) to be endured

… inflict my annual message upon the church itself if it might derive benefit thereby.

—Mark Twain

2

: afflict

inflicter noun

or inflictor

in-ˈflik-tər 

inflictive

in-ˈflik-tiv 

adjective

Examples of inflict in a Sentence

These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 1992, at least 34 defendants accused of inflicting shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma have been exonerated. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

In fact, maybe McCartney signed a deal with the devil, and in exchange for boundless musical talent, he was required to inflict Satan's ultimate instrument of torture upon the earth. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024

With over 700,000 workers at around 1,000 warehouses scattered around the U.S., a strike is unlikely to cripple Amazon’s operations, but such a walkout in the final few days before Christmas could create supply chain hiccups and send a signal that the Teamsters intend to inflict financial harm. —Greg Bensinger, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

People are also reading:Texas may begin busing migrants to ICE centers instead of sanctuary cities, source says Abbott made the announcement at Wall Ranch in Eagle Pass, one of many sites of such violence inflicted on migrants. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- + fligere to strike — more at profligate

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

inflict

verb

in·​flict in-ˈflikt 

1

: to give by or as if by striking

inflict a wound

2

: to cause (something damaging or painful) to be endured

inflict punishment

infliction

-ˈflik-shən

noun