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

Adding to that, the player inflicting the most damage was former Brentwood standout Shalen Sheppard. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026

Advertisement Think smart regulation, not more regulation The dealmaking bonanza on Wall Street since Biden Administration officials left office offers a reasonable gauge of the damage inflicted when regulatory agencies are captured by ideology. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026

Leadership that dismisses or undermines inclusion inflicts real harm on students, faculty, and staff. —Wanda James, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026

Even though Harry hadn’t suffered trauma at the hands of his father in this timeline, the world itself inflicted a different kind of damage. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 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