inflict

verb

in·​flict in-ˈflikt How to pronounce inflict (audio)
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
inflicter noun
or inflictor
inflictive adjective

Examples of inflict in a Sentence

These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.
Recent Examples on the Web The prosecutor in his first case had sought permission to add enhancements for use of a firearm and inflicting great bodily injury. East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 Given that the team documented one snake devouring a 77-lbs deer about two-thirds its total mass, these potential prey revisions both revise existing impact estimates, as well as help explain how Burmese pythons are inflicting so much ecological damage in Florida. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024 The vast majority of these businesses are small and family-owned, and simply can’t afford to have the damage inflicted on them by our government. John Mariani, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 The Arizona Republic traveled to the Klamath last year for a series of stories about the damage inflicted by the dams and the work to restore wildlife habitat and ancestral homelands. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflict 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflict was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near inflict

Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflict. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

inflict

verb
in·​flict in-ˈflikt How to pronounce inflict (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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