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

These political leaders should instead thank businesses willing to support Maryland’s economy and denounce any effort to inflict collateral damage on businesses working hard to pay their employees and add economic value to the state. —Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026

There is humor and there is drama, as Rhoda is inflicted with tuberculosis and hospitalized in suburban Winfield and Denver. —Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

Federal prosecutors said the pair hoped to inflict more carnage than the Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured more than 260 others in 2013. —Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 10 Mar. 2026

The Middle East conflict could inflict deep and far-reaching economic pain on Americans – particularly if the war persists. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 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