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

President Biden singularly stands out in his callous enabling of the horrors inflicted on Gaza for more than a year. —Shibley Telhami, Time, 13 Oct. 2025

Of course, Nix never has to worry about the pain his defensive teammates can inflict, protected in practice by the strict don’t-touch-the-QB edict. —Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

An increasing number of Americans have, in recent years, opted to observe Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day, pointing to the violence explorer Christopher Columbus inflicted on Native communities, The Hill previously reported. —Addy Bink, The Hill, 12 Oct. 2025

Solitary confinement inflicts long-lasting psychological and neurological harm similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. —Terry Kupers, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 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