Synonyms

inflict

American

[in-flikt] / ɪnˈflɪkt /

verb (used with object)

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.
to deal or deliver, as a blow.

inflict British

/ ɪnˈflɪkt /

verb

to impose (something unwelcome, such as pain, oneself, etc)
rare to cause to suffer; afflict (with)
to deal out (blows, lashes, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

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; see in- ²

Explanation

When you force an undesirable or harmful event on someone, you inflict it on them. You might prefer that someone inflict some physical pain on you rather than inflict you with the boredom of another trip to the annual flower show. The verb inflict comes from the Latin word inflictus, meaning “to strike or dash against.” If you cause anything bad to happen to a person, animal, or even an object, you inflict that badness on them. For example, someone can inflict injuries or suffering on other people or inflict damage on property. We can inflict pollution or over-development on our environment. It's always a negative thing — you wouldn't say you inflict happiness or love on others.

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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.

Inflict no evil on thyself or others from which a balance of good will not result.

From History of Modern Philosophy From Nicolas of Cusa to the Present Time by Falckenberg, Richard

And make a dark existence shine Inflict annoyance and distress Upon a soul inert and cloyed?—

From Eugene Oneguine [Onegin] A Romance of Russian Life in Verse by Spalding, Henry

Ne'er could noon-day sun Inflict such fair disorder on a maid— No, love, and love alone, is hereto blame.

From Hindu literature : Comprising The Book of good counsels, Nala and Damayanti, The Ramayana, and Sakoontala by Arnold, Edwin, Sir

"If no man hurt thee, but the hand divine Inflict disease, it fits thee to resign;— To Jove, or to thy father, Neptune, pray," The brethren cried, and instant strode away.

From The Book of Noodles Stories of Simpletons; or, Fools and Their Follies by Clouston, William Alexander

Inflict, in-flikt′, v.t. to lay on: to impose, as punishment.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023