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

European states are already some of the highest spending in the world and that gives them little option for extra spending without inflicting severe pain. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025

Wall Street has been hoping the threats are merely leverage that Trump will use to negotiate with other countries before ultimately inflicting less pain on the economy than feared. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025

Hamas, meanwhile, continues to exert military control while inflicting terror, despite being unable to provide basic governance, making life for civilians unbearable. —Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025

As many know by now, the stress and toxicities inflicted on women in Hollywood are catastrophic — worse than any other business. —Keven Undergaro, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for inflict

• addict
• afflict
• constrict
• delict
• depict
• evict
• handpicked
• predict
• relict
• restrict
• bricked
• clicked

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