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 attacks have inflicted lasting damage that will be costly to fix. — ABC News, 3 July 2026

She was charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 1 July 2026

The degree of severity in punishment for violators varies based on the type of force used and the amount of property damage inflicted. — Matthew Kelly july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

But no, this is an actual phrase in the world of medicine, apparently used by obstetricians to inflict emotional harm on pregnant folks over the age of 35. — Literary Hub, 6 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