inflict

verb

in·​flict in-ˈflikt How to pronounce inflict (audio)
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
inflicter noun
or inflictor
inflictive adjective

Examples of inflict in a Sentence

These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.
Recent Examples on the Web In Iraq and Syria, the Gaza conflict rekindled a long-simmering campaign by Iranian proxy groups to inflict damage on U.S. forces. Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2024 Scorsese emulates Alfred Hitchcock with impeccable style: the camera constantly glides, whips, and zooms from unusual angles to inflict maximum unease. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 The new devaluation and interest rate hike will inflict further pain on Egyptians already struggling with soaring prices, said Hamish Kinnear, senior analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. Samy Magdy, Quartz, 6 Mar. 2024 Critics condemned the action as aiding a man of privilege and connections while inflicting further pain on the family of Ariel Young, the young girl who spent 11 days in a coma following the collision. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2024 Police charged a 16-year-old with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024 Weather disasters in the United States last year inflicted at least $92.9 billion in damages, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Michael Copley, NPR, 29 Feb. 2024 There are several ongoing court cases that could inflict further damage on the NCAA model, plus Florida State’s legal challenge to the ACC’s grant-of-rights contract and early-stage discussions about expanding March Madness. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 But researchers still know relatively little about brain injuries inflicted by a spouse or partner. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflict was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near inflict

Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflict. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inflict

verb
in·​flict in-ˈflikt How to pronounce inflict (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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