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

After Sinner inflicted his third Grand Slam final defeat at the Australian Open in January, Zverev’s results took a nosedive, culminating in a first-round defeat at Wimbledon, after which the German spoke of how much his form was impacting him. —Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

They were also found liable for several other claims, including false imprisonment, battery and inflicting emotional distress on Maya, according to CourtTV, which live-streamed the decision. —Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025

He was acquitted of a misdemeanor count of inflicting injury on an elder adult. —City News Service, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025

Death is scary, but the kind of ego death inflicted by the Borg is arguably a fate worse than death. —Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 Nov. 2025

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