as in to impose
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted
The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inflict
Furthermore, as a Jewish man with a direct connection to the horrors that the Nazi regime inflicted on millions of people, Spiegelman recently collaborated with author Joe Sacco on a three-page comic about the alarming situation in Gaza.
—
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025
Those convictions would have increased his prison time if he had been convicted in 2013 of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury.
—Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025
This includes ensuring justice for those who assault law enforcement officers or inflict violent harm on others, protecting both our officers and our communities.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 18 Feb. 2025
Plus, the youngest children were likely to show the most dramatic results since they’d be treated before SMA inflicted its worst damage.
—Robin Fields, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025
Those convictions would have increased his prison time if he had been convicted in 2013 of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury.
—Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025
This includes ensuring justice for those who assault law enforcement officers or inflict violent harm on others, protecting both our officers and our communities.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 18 Feb. 2025
Plus, the youngest children were likely to show the most dramatic results since they’d be treated before SMA inflicted its worst damage.
—Robin Fields, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
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The department said export control laws did not impose such restrictions.—
Luc Cohen,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
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In a far-reaching move set to take effect on March 4th, President Donald J. Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all foreign imports from Canada, a close ally and the US’ largest energy trading partner, as well as on Mexico.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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They are recognized leaders in creating the kind of strikingly original campaigns that energize audiences and consumers alike growing from core to more.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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Bowery would go on to create costumes with free rein for Clark’s productions and sometimes even starred in them.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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At some point, builders will be forced to cut prices to liquidate inventories.—
Terry Savage,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2025
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With three Oilers hustling to get back to defend the rush after Couturier forced a neutral-zone turnover, Michkov feathered a backhand to the front of the net through a maze of sticks to Tippett, who chipped it in.—
Kevin Kurz,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The senior forward has a happy-go-lucky nature, always bringing an optimistic perspective.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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Hairstylist Efi Davies wanted to bring an air of elegance to the nostalgic look.—
Ranyechi Udemezue,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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