inflict

1 of 2

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

inflicter

2 of 2

noun

in·​flict·​er

variants or inflictor

-tə(r) 

plural -s

: one that inflicts

death with his comrade, the inflicter of wounds, roamed the darkened streets

—Sean O'Casey

Examples of inflict in a Sentence

Verb

These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The researchers estimated that 1,589 fragments could inflict damage. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Both sides have sought to inflict both military and economic pain, and negotiations have collapsed. — Toqa Ezzidin, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

Both sides have sought to inflict military and economic pain, and negotiations have collapsed. — Toqa Ezzidin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Di-Quan Shafar Hunt was indicted on Monday on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. — Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- + fligere to strike — more at profligate

First Known Use

Verb

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