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

Words can inflict damage, but actions can do infinitely worse. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026

Although Hegseth often seems to enjoy the idea that pain is being inflicted in his name, the mood at the Kabul Stadium was more subdued. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026

That might be the best shot society has at preventing AI from inflicting serious harm, according to some industry experts. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

Indeed, inflicting hardship on the population seems especially unlikely to change the calculus of the Iranian regime, given its willingness to kill thousands of protestors to stay in power. — Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 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