inflict
Americanverb (used with object)
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to impose as something that must be borne or suffered.
to inflict punishment.
-
to impose (anything unwelcome).
The regime inflicted burdensome taxes on the people.
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to deal or deliver, as a blow.
verb
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to impose (something unwelcome, such as pain, oneself, etc)
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rare to cause to suffer; afflict (with)
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to deal out (blows, lashes, etc)
Other Word Forms
- inflictable adjective
- inflicter noun
- infliction noun
- inflictive adjective
- inflictor noun
- preinflict verb (used with object)
- uninflicted adjective
Etymology
Origin of inflict
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin inflīctus, past participle of inflīgere “to strike or dash against,” equivalent to in- “in” + flīg- (stem of flīgere “to beat down”) + -tus past participle suffix; in- 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The focus here is squarely on her mother, another survivor who inflicts her own share of damage along the way.
From Los Angeles Times
"Pakistan's targeting is precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted," the information ministry said.
From Barron's
From the jet fuel used in bombing raids to acrid smoke from burning oil depots, the conflict in the Middle East is inflicting a significant toll on nature and the climate.
From Barron's
"So Pyongyang is likely to conduct tests and issue rhetoric about nuclear command, control, and delivery systems to suggest it could inflict unacceptable harm if its naval forces come under attack."
From Barron's
“The longer the conflict and disruptions persist, the larger the possible negative hit to business and consumer confidence from increased uncertainty that would inflict further drag on economic activity.”
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
