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

Yet, despite being a grown man with a penchant for Billabong clothing, Guy shouldn’t incur all the blame.

From Salon

The pair say the say that they have incurred tens of thousands of pounds on accommodation and legal costs.

From BBC

This was expensive, cumbersome, and incurred many internal costs.

From Barron's

The total losses incurred from the fraud tallied close to £40 million, investigators said, though that number reflects only costs reported to the SFO.

From The Wall Street Journal

All options carry risks but a prolonged campaign in particular could incur significant costs to U.S. forces and munitions stockpiles, officials said, complicating the protection of regional partners if Iran is able to retaliate.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acquire
• arouse
• earn
• obtain
• provoke