as in to impose
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted
The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inflict
Adding to the pressure on Trump, his tariffs have inflicted serious pain on U.S. businesses and consumers.
—
Nik Popli, Time, 9 May 2025
In these cases, Vuong is clearly more interested in inflicting the language barrier on his American audience than in employing Vietnamese to, say, communicate with other Vietnamese people.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 6 May 2025
In just a few months in office, the Trump administration has already managed to inflict a remarkable amount of damage on the country’s research enterprise—damage that will have lasting effects.
—L. Rafael Reif, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025
During the trial, the prosecution suggested Charron had inflicted the wounds to say that Sardinha had attacked him.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Nik Popli, Time, 9 May 2025
In these cases, Vuong is clearly more interested in inflicting the language barrier on his American audience than in employing Vietnamese to, say, communicate with other Vietnamese people.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 6 May 2025
In just a few months in office, the Trump administration has already managed to inflict a remarkable amount of damage on the country’s research enterprise—damage that will have lasting effects.
—L. Rafael Reif, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025
During the trial, the prosecution suggested Charron had inflicted the wounds to say that Sardinha had attacked him.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
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To restore fairness, the city should impose an additional tax on whole-home short-term rental businesses.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
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The law imposes civil penalties and mandates back pay and benefits for noncompliance.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Verb
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The proprietary process recovers up to 98 percent of critical metals while minimizing contaminants, creating a ready feedstock for downstream refiners.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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This is a very special opportunity to create something with some of the most talented people working in film.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Some have succeeded in slashing sales and forcing policy changes.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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Fans are forced to watch that terrifying accident all over again — knowing exactly what's about to happen.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
18 May 2025
Verb
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He was invited as an observer, but Trump brought him into the conversation.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Preliminary purchasing managers’ index data will be released for France and the U.K. CNBC will also be bringing you interviews from the Barclays leadership conference, focusing on energy, geopolitics and sector-specific challenges.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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