inflict

[ in-flikt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to impose as something that must be borne or suffered:

   to inflict punishment.

2. to impose (anything unwelcome):

   The regime inflicted burdensome taxes on the people.

3. to deal or deliver, as a blow.

inflict

/ ɪnˈflɪkt /

verb

1. often foll byon or upon to impose (something unwelcome, such as pain, oneself, etc)
2. rare.
   to cause to suffer; afflict (with)
3. to deal out (blows, lashes, etc)

Derived Forms

• inˈfliction, noun
• inˈflicter, noun
• inˈflictive, adjective
• inˈflictable, adjective

Other Words From

• in·flicta·ble adjective
• in·flicter in·flictor noun
• in·flictive adjective
• prein·flict verb (used with object)
• unin·flicted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflict¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflict¹

C16: from Latin inflīgere to strike (something) against, dash against, from flīgere to strike

Example Sentences

I can’t say with any certainty that I never had dark fantasies about inflicting violence on the doctors who neglected my mother’s health and let her die.

From Salon

The totality of Israel's actions, Amnesty said, proves that it is "deliberately inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction."

From Salon

Looking back after a decade of misery inflicted by Russia, which the international community has seemed unable or unwilling to prevent, he draws an inevitable conclusion.

From BBC

Although he was attacked early on Saturday, Georgian lawyers say police continue to inflict what they call torture on protesters.

From BBC

Conservators slowly dry marine wooden artifacts to preserve them but doing so can inflict damage.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• exact
• expose
• levy
• wreak