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

In his statement, Sir Elton said he felt "passionately" about "how wrong it is that such gross invasions could have been inflicted upon us and our family and friends without us ever knowing".

From BBC

Ruthless France inflict more pain on Ireland as the Six Nations holders open their title defence with a bonus-point victory at a buoyant Stade de France.

From BBC

Ruthless France inflicted more pain on Ireland as the Six Nations holders opened their title defence with a bonus-point victory at a buoyant Stade de France.

From BBC

I was too big to be swallowed, but it might still inflict a nasty bite if it felt threatened.

From Literature

As for Mr. Oliver’s enthusiasm for psychotherapy, not all of us are able to spend long hours exploring the wounds that our unique psychologies or childhoods have inflicted on us.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• exact
• expose
• levy
• wreak