inflict

American  

[in-flikt] / ɪnˈflɪkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to impose as something that must be borne or suffered.

   to inflict punishment.

2. to impose (anything unwelcome).

   The regime inflicted burdensome taxes on the people.

3. to deal or deliver, as a blow.

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inflict British  

/ ɪnˈflɪkt /

verb

1. to impose (something unwelcome, such as pain, oneself, etc)

2. rare to cause to suffer; afflict (with)

3. to deal out (blows, lashes, etc)

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Other Word Forms

• inflictable adjective
• inflicter noun
• infliction noun
• inflictive adjective
• inflictor noun
• preinflict verb (used with object)
• uninflicted adjective

Etymology

Origin of inflict

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin inflīctus, past participle of inflīgere “to strike or dash against,” equivalent to in- “in” + flīg- (stem of flīgere “to beat down”) + -tus past participle suffix; in- ²

Example Sentences

The health department said the move is “designed to ensure that the U.S. government will not be in business with organizations that intentionally or unintentionally inflict permanent harm on children.”

From Los Angeles Times

Every minute saved will be respite for England's bowlers, inflicting Australia to the worst of the searing South Australian heat.

From BBC

These observations supported the idea that tanning beds may inflict more widespread DNA damage than ordinary sun exposure.

From Science Daily

He apologized for the harm he inflicted and pleaded for leniency, citing his desire to see his family.

From The Wall Street Journal

After inflicting some serious damage in its early days, Musk lost his biggest booster after getting into a spat with the president and his project went away quietly.

From Salon

Related Words

• exact
• expose
• levy
• wreak