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 Tehran region director of the NIOPDC also said that damage inflicted on Tehran’s petroleum product storage and distribution infrastructure during the war has created some constraints on fuel distribution. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Both Russia and Ukraine are trying through long-range strikes to inflict economic pain, disrupt military supplies and erode public morale. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Mustafa Ali and Jason Hotch went above and beyond to inflict damage on each other during their match at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s (TNA) Lockdown for the International Championship. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

And do stop trying to inflict your dreadful lingo on our game. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 23 Aug. 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