as in imposing
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted
The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.
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Recent Examples of inflicting
What a sad endless cycle of innocent teachers inflicting damage upon innocent students.
—
Dan Rockmore, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Forhan, who was the initial victim of the robbery, has been charged with firing a missile into a building and culpable negligence for inflicting harm.
—Joan Murray, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
The war has been almost as one-sided as the war in Iran, with the more technologically advanced Pakistani army inflicting several times more casualties against the struggling Taliban.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
The war with Iran has disrupted oil production and distribution as the Islamic Republic targets shipping traffic and energy infrastructure with the intention of inflicting economic pain on its adversaries.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Solomon faces charges of forcibly assaulting a federal officer and inflicting bodily injury.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
Idress Vinay Solomon, 33, of Oakland, California, faces up to 20 years in prison after being accused of assaulting a federal officer and inflicting bodily injury.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Sanders was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and served with outstanding warrants for misdemeanor larceny and second-degree trespass, the sheriff’s office said.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Trump, though quick to extol the damage that the military is inflicting on Iran, has still not laid out what goals would have to be accomplished to declare victory and end the American air campaign.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Dan Rockmore, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Forhan, who was the initial victim of the robbery, has been charged with firing a missile into a building and culpable negligence for inflicting harm.
—Joan Murray, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
The war has been almost as one-sided as the war in Iran, with the more technologically advanced Pakistani army inflicting several times more casualties against the struggling Taliban.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
The war with Iran has disrupted oil production and distribution as the Islamic Republic targets shipping traffic and energy infrastructure with the intention of inflicting economic pain on its adversaries.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Solomon faces charges of forcibly assaulting a federal officer and inflicting bodily injury.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
Idress Vinay Solomon, 33, of Oakland, California, faces up to 20 years in prison after being accused of assaulting a federal officer and inflicting bodily injury.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Sanders was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and served with outstanding warrants for misdemeanor larceny and second-degree trespass, the sheriff’s office said.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Trump, though quick to extol the damage that the military is inflicting on Iran, has still not laid out what goals would have to be accomplished to declare victory and end the American air campaign.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflicting
Verb
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Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Countries around the world have scrambled to cope with the fallout of the energy shock from the Iran war, imposing measures from fuel export bans, loosening refining standards, and even getting workers to climb stairs instead of taking elevators.—
Lim Hui Jie,Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
15 Mar. 2026
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Sontag’s childhood friend is ninety-five and in fine health, his eyes bright, his lampshade mustache imposing.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Citi has also been investing in Charlotte through four affordable housing projects, creating or preserving over 630 units, Stein said.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2026
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Lamps and fittings in bedrooms can easily be dimmed using an iPad, creating more theatrical mood settings than a stage lighting console.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This has raised the cost of materials for jewelry brands, forcing many to increase prices.—
Andrea Bossi,
Vogue,
18 Mar. 2026
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Internal pressure within Cuba, including fuel shortages and economic instability, could also play a role in forcing reforms.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Your 7th House of Devotion lights up as the emotional Moon enters Aries, bringing chances to clarify expectations with someone important in your life.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2026
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Plus, the new ultramarine and green pigments are better suited for deep skin tones, bringing the range to 44 diverse shades.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflicting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflicting. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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