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

The view from Tehran The enemy has a vote, as military historians like to say, and Iran appears confident of its ability to inflict damage. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

And, yes, much of the damage was inflicted against one of the American League’s worst pitching staffs (statistically speaking). — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 20 July 2026

Space debris is typically zipping at speeds of about 16,800 mph (27,000 km/h), and so can inflict massive damage on anything in orbit. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 20 July 2026

The debate gained new urgency in March, when back-to-back verdicts in California and New Mexico found, for the first time, Facebook parent Meta liable for products that inflict harm on young people. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 July 2026

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