incur

[in-kur]

verb (used with object)

incurred, incurring 

1. to come into or acquire (some consequence, usually undesirable or injurious).

   to incur a huge number of debts.

2. to become liable or subject to through one's own action; bring or take upon oneself.

   to incur his displeasure.

   Synonyms: provoke, incite, arouse

incur

/ ɪnˈkɜː /

verb

1. to make oneself subject to (something undesirable); bring upon oneself

2. to run into or encounter

Other Word Forms

• incurrable adjective
• reincur verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of incur¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin incurrere “to run into, come upon,” equivalent to in- in- ² + currere “to run”; current

Word History and Origins

Origin of incur¹

C16: from Latin incurrere to run into, from currere to run

Example Sentences

Say you’re an executive who retires with a couple of million dollars of highly appreciated company stock, which will incur heavy capital-gains taxes when sold.

Read more on Barron's

At ages 59½ and 62, you can both withdraw money from your respective retirement accounts without incurring a penalty.

Read more on MarketWatch

So far this year, Nasdaq has incurred more than $675,000 in fees for distributing Nasdaq’s annual proxy materials to shareholders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s the same look that makes the other seventh graders flee into the nearest classroom before they can incur the wrath of Principal Powell.

Read more on Literature

Am I right in deducing that these charges were incurred by you?

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Related Words

• acquire 
• arouse 
• earn 
• obtain 
• provoke