incur

American  

[in-kur] / ɪnˈkɜr /

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

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incur British  

/ ɪnˈkɜː /

verb

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

2. to run into or encounter

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Other Word Forms

• incurrable adjective
• reincur verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of incur

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

Example Sentences

He also repaid half his salary to cover “minor items such as postage/delivery fees” and other personal expenses the company incurred, it says in a securities filing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Discovery says that fee provides insufficient compensation for the costs it would incur by abandoning its agreement with Netflix.

From The Wall Street Journal

In its Wednesday letter, Warner said it would incur billions of dollars in additional costs if it were to drop the Netflix deal in favor of Paramount, adding more risk.

From The Wall Street Journal

The new processors could help attract external customers to Intel’s foundry business, which is currently incurring billions in losses.

From Barron's

But rules vary: In “community property” states such as California and Texas, Bentley said spouses might be liable for debts incurred during the marriage, even if they didn’t sign for them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acquire
• arouse
• earn
• obtain
• provoke