inflict

Definition of inflictnext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inflict What the data reveals is less about the Zillennials’ advantage than about the damage inflicted on their cohort neighbors. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026 The fire inflicted significant damage to the aircraft's major structural components, as well as the cockpit, the cabin and the fuel system, investigators said. ABC News, 3 July 2026 The degree of severity in punishment for violators varies based on the type of force used and the amount of property damage inflicted. Matthew Kelly july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 She was charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury. Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
  • Vessels transiting the Northern Corridor, through Iranian territorial waters, would require prior approval from Iran, although no tolls would be imposed under the deal.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
  • One of England's most famous taxes wasn't imposed by the Vikings—it was imposed because of them.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2026
  • The new series, which debuted on Prime Video this past Tuesday, was created by Science Saru (aka Science Monkey), the studio behind the hit Devilman Crybaby and Danadan.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • None of that history mattered though when Nick Moon put Boise on the scoreboard in the seventh minute and forced club staff to scramble for a new corner flag.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 12 July 2026
  • Crew members of a container vessel reported damaged near the Strait of Hormuz were forced to abandon ship, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center said in a separate statement.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • Apple leveled major allegations against OpenAI and some of its staffers Friday, alleging the ChatGPT maker systematically directed current and former Apple employees to bring secret information over to OpenAI.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2026
  • Thiero delivered a breakaway windmill dunk in the second quarter Friday that brought cheers from the fans, a moment in which the second-year Lakers forward displayed his athleticism.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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