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

On Tuesday, Su was charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon in a Palo Alto courtroom, with the complaint also alleging that Chen personally inflicted great bodily injury during the assault and that the victim was particularly vulnerable. — Senior Editor, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

In many newly independent countries with weak institutions, these conflicts turned into long-lasting civil wars that inflicted a grim toll on society and the economy. — Daron Acemoglu, Time, 7 Nov. 2026

The two places where Trump can inflict the most damage are Iran and Cuba. — Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026

What readers are saying The comments express outrage and sadness over the cruelty inflicted on kittens, with many calling for harsher penalties for animal abuse. — Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 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