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

But his policies have inflicted widespread hardship. —María Magdalena Arréllaga, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024

Over the past 45 years, tropical cyclones have inflicted more than $1 trillion in damage, Smith said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 Dec. 2024

Just as the series addresses human behavior under extreme duress and life-and-death situations, Season 2 also illustrates how easily people can inflict pain and violence on others when they are emboldened by a sliver of power. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024

The continued drone onslaught has inflicted huge damage on Ukraine, with three quarters of the electricity infrastructure destroyed by drone and missiles attacks. —David Hambling, Forbes, 24 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