inflict
verb (used with object)
to impose as something that must be borne or suffered.
inflicted
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past participleof inflict.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof inflict.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
inflictverb (used with object)to impose as something that must be borne or suffered.
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.
Last week’s equity-market turbulence inflicted significant damage to hedge-fund trading books.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 26, 2026
Economists at the New York Federal Reserve have found that these levies have inflicted a heavy hit on many common consumer goods.
From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2026
The Second World War, meanwhile, inflicted its own deadly toll -- the Soviet Union suffered the highest casualties, with 20-27 million people estimated to have died, both civilians and military.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
His comments, in his interview with me, followed by no fewer than two attempts to backtrack 24 hours later, amount to perhaps his biggest self inflicted tangle since he arrived in Downing Street in July.
From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026
By ni-Frith Thlayli, still bleeding from the Mark gash inflicted in his left haunch, had taken up his duties.
From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams
