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

Now Zuma has inflicted a major defeat on his rival, who is likely to face pressure from some in his party to resign. —Kate Bartlett, NPR, 1 June 2024

Much of that damage has been inflicted by sea drones. —Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 May 2024

In this brutally violent revenge thriller, deaths are inflicted by fire, industrial shredder, pressure chamber, and electric eel. —Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 29 May 2024

The economic toll of mass displacement, crop losses and disrupted supply chains haunts like the 1930s creeping back to inflict ruin once more. —Chicago Tribune, 25 May 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