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

Consider the downside New sports stadiums, proponents argue, don’t inflict other kinds of costs on their surrounding communities. — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026

Of the tens of thousands of casualties Russia suffers each month, up to 90% are inflicted by drones. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026

Although inflicting pain globally, the energy crisis is biting particularly hard in the rural expanses and communities of the European Union’s largest country by area. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was fishing with a group of people along the Bolshoy Yenisey River in Russia's Republic of Tuva when the bear attacked him, inflicting severe injuries to his head and face. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 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