incur

[in-kur]

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verb (used with object), in·curred, in·cur·ring.

to come into or acquire (some consequence, usually undesirable or injurious): to incur a huge number of debts.

to become liable or subject to through one's own action; bring or take upon oneself: to incur his displeasure.

Origin of incur

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin incurrere to run into, come upon, equivalent to in- in-² + currere to run; see current

Related formsin·cur·ra·ble, adjectivere·in·cur, verb (used with object), re·in·curred, re·in·cur·ring.self-in·curred, adjective

Synonyms for incur

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2. arouse, incite, provoke.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for incurs

acquire, earn, provoke, arouse, obtain, draw, get, induce, contract, gain, catch

Examples from the Web for incurs

Contemporary Examples of incurs

The immense strategic cost this incurs to the U.S. does not seem to interest them in the least.
Is Netanyahu the New Caligula?
Ilana Bet-El
September 23, 2011
More importantly, Obama has shown that he can take on Netanyahu and inflict more political damage than he incurs.
How Barack Beat Bibi
Peter Beinart
March 18, 2010

Historical Examples of incurs

When Jeremiah does this zealously, he incurs not only hate but also the gravest dangers.
Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II
Martin Luther
Here then we may note the Christian incurs great blame who neglects the poor.
Mediaeval Tales
Various
She knows also the danger he incurs if detected by her kinsmen.
Shakespeare's Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare
In the process, it incurs enormous trade and balance of payments deficits.
After the Rain
Sam Vaknin
If he does, he incurs the penalty of being cursed by the Pope.
Auricular Confession and Popish Nunneries
William Hogan

British Dictionary definitions for incurs

incur

verb -curs, -curring or -curred (tr)

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

to run into or encounter

Derived Formsincurrable, adjective

Word Origin for incur

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for incurs

incur

early 15c., from Anglo-French encurir, Middle French encourir, from Latin incurrere "run into or against, rush at, make an attack;" figuratively, "to befall, happen, occur to," from in- "upon" (see in- (2)) + currere "to run" (see current (adj.)). Related: Incurred; incurring.