inflict

verb

in·​flict in-ˈflikt How to pronounce inflict (audio)
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
inflicter noun
or inflictor
inflictive adjective

Examples of inflict in a Sentence

These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ventura then fled to her parents’ home in Connecticut, where her mother took pictures of the bruises Combs had allegedly inflicted on her, the suit states. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Some were inflicted on drunken patients who slipped on the ice. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2025 Its grip on critical supply chain materials, especially rare earths, gives it a way to inflict pain — and corporate America is watching closely. Grady McGregor, New York Times, 21 May 2025 The harm that the Brigstocke family inflicts upon Catherine Ravenscroft, played by Cate Blanchett in the show’s main timeline, and Leila George in flashback, is core to a more modern depiction of parenting on the limited series. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflict

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflict was in 1566

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflict. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

inflict

verb
in·​flict in-ˈflikt How to pronounce inflict (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on inflict

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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