inflict
verb (used with object)
to impose as something that must be borne or suffered.
had inflicted
-
past perfectof inflict.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Relatives of the four university students spoke for over two hours at the hearing, sharing the trauma Kohberger had inflicted on their lives.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2025
The mother of Mr Smith's children, Lisa Wilkinson, said his death had inflicted "never ending" grief and sadness on their boys.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2023
The Jubbaland government said regional and national forces had inflicted a "big blow" on al Shabaab but did not provide details.
From Reuters ● Mar. 7, 2023
For years, Mr. Rahi wrote about the pain and anguish that the upheaval had inflicted on millions of ordinary people and how it had shaped their experiences and encounters.
From New York Times ● Jan. 11, 2023
Poverty and hard work had inflicted iniquitous damage on both.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
