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

Over a brooding, stormy instrumental, Em takes the original song’s conceit — playing bad guy to Dr. Dre’s sounder mind — to pore over the damage that Slim has inflicted on his career and artistry. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 13 July 2024

Less than a month after the shooting, he was sued by two crew members who accused him and other producers of assault and inflicting emotional distress. —Samantha Chery, Washington Post, 9 July 2024

Repairing the damage the Roberts court has inflicted on the nation will take years or even decades, and may be preceded by unprecedented abuses. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2024

Hurricane Beryl weakens to Category 2 Treasure Beach is reeling from the sweeping destruction that Beryl’s furious gusts and downpours inflicted. —Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 July 2024

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

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