incur

American  

[in-kur] / ɪnˈkɜr /

verb (used with object)

incurred, incurring

1. to come into or acquire (some consequence, usually undesirable or injurious).

   to incur a huge number of debts.

2. to become liable or subject to through one's own action; bring or take upon oneself.

   to incur his displeasure.

   Synonyms:

   provoke, incite, arouse

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incur British  

/ ɪnˈkɜː /

verb

1. to make oneself subject to (something undesirable); bring upon oneself

2. to run into or encounter

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Other Word Forms

• incurrable adjective
• reincur verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of incur

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin incurrere “to run into, come upon,” equivalent to in- in- ² + currere “to run”; current

Example Sentences

The company’s current U.S. taxes, an accounting measure of taxes incurred last year, declined to $1.2 billion from $9 billion, according to a securities filing released Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal

The process involves the Legal Services Agency, which is part of the department, going to court in an attempt to "recover the cost of legal aid incurred" in defending people who are subsequently convicted.

From BBC

In the fourth quarter, net income at Pacific Valley fell 28%, as it hired more employees and incurred costs related to a fourth branch it opened in Santa Cruz.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The run on this, it is amazing,” said Sperzel, head of trading for Germany, adding that the buying spree is a surprise because silver, unlike gold, incurs a sales tax in Germany.

From The Wall Street Journal

Companies looking for cuts are turning their focus on the expenses employees incur on the road.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acquire
• arouse
• earn
• obtain
• provoke