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

Ukraine’s extensive use of low-cost drones and loitering munitions has shown that relatively cheap platforms can inflict significant damage while forcing opponents to spend costly interceptor missiles and air-defense resources. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026

The judge dismissed McManus’ claims that Bojangles managers intentionally and negligently inflicted emotional distress and dismissed part of her claim that was based on North Carolina state law. — Julia Coin july 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

Two men and three boys, ages 15, 16 and 17, allegedly attacked a man as a group, knocking him unconscious and inflicting what were described as life-threatening injuries. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

England had inflicted India’s biggest ever T20 loss by 125 runs in the third T20, with India dismissed for 76. — ABC News, 9 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