inflicts; inflicted; inflicting
: to cause someone to experience or be affected by (something unpleasant or harmful)
These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.
inflict a wound
inflict pain/injury/punishment/damage
—often + on or uponHe shows no regret for the suffering he has inflicted on/upon these innocent people.
They continue to inflict their strange ideas about nutrition on/upon their children.
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/inflict. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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