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

Traffic through the strait has fallen by 90% since the start of the Iran war, sending global oil prices skyrocketing and inflicting alarming shortages on the Asian nations that get their oil from Persian Gulf countries via the strait. —David McHugh, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Zehavi believes Iran and the IRGC look down on Hezbollah after its poor performance over the past few years, failing to inflict any significant damage against the IDF, failing to save the regime of Bashar al-Assad, and failing to prevent the damage inflicted against Iran during the 12 Day War. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026

For the country’s leadership, weakened militarily and more isolated than ever, inflicting economic suffering has become the most powerful weapon available. —Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026

Centene grew revenue almost 20% last year amid drastic cuts to federal Medicaid spending that have inflicted pain on the bottom line and customers. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 25 Mar. 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