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

And, in violation of the fundamental separation of power principles on which our Constitution is based, Trump has set himself up as prosecutor, judge, and jury, claiming the right to inflict punishment on specific groups or individuals with the stroke of his pen. —James Speyer, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025

Although the president has been unhappy with Powell for years, his most recent comments came after the Fed chair spoke at an event in Chicago and said the administration’s sweeping tariffs were larger than expected and that the lingering uncertainty could inflict lasting economic damage. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025

They're expected to reduce diagnostic and therapeutic errors that inflict harm and generate substantial costs. —Kevin Vigilante, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

But that devastation is based entirely on the attention Antetokounmpo draws and his ability to make the right play to inflict as much damage as possible on each possession. —Eric Nehm, New York Times, 12 Apr. 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