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

Drones are Ukraine’s deadliest tool Kyiv said nearly all Russian casualties in March were inflicted by drones. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026

The 8-year-old girl told the counselor all the wounds were inflicted by her stepmother Joncky, the report read. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026

The move aims to inflict more economic pain on Iran. —Arkansas Online, 16 Apr. 2026

Ashley Nicole Taris, 24, a former KinderCare employee, is charged with felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury, according to a warrant reviewed by PEOPLE. —Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 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