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

The war has inflicted staggering losses on Russia's young men. — Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 29 June 2026

However, experts caution the situation isn’t so simple, and while Ukraine has inflicted tangible damage, Russian resilience and logistical limitations mean the campaign has yet to pass into decisive territory. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026

Vanderhoef was additionally sentenced to five consecutive years for inflicting bodily injury and using a weapon during the commission of a crime. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

Between the trauma his father inflicted on him, banishing him, calling him weak, giving him a scar and pitting him against his sister — along with his mother being taken — Zuko gives into his darker impulses. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 26 June 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