inflict
verb (used with object)
to impose as something that must be borne or suffered.
have inflicted
-
present perfectof inflict.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
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
Both sides claim to have inflicted heavy losses in the clashes.
From BBC ● Feb. 26, 2026
As for Mr. Oliver’s enthusiasm for psychotherapy, not all of us are able to spend long hours exploring the wounds that our unique psychologies or childhoods have inflicted on us.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026
Motherwell were worthy winners at Fir Park and could have inflicted a far more embarrassing scoreline on Nancy's men but for wasteful finishing in their first home victory over Celtic since 2013.
From Barron's ● Dec. 31, 2025
Slavin wondered why the Crown authorities should have inflicted upon him such a man as Eshelby when his burden was already sufficiently heavy.
From Delilah of the Snows by Harold Bindloss
