inflict
verb (used with object)
to impose as something that must be borne or suffered.
inflicting
-
present participleof inflict.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The overstretched will slide into financial distress, inflicting losses on banks and on the private lenders that have proliferated.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 4, 2026
In the summer, it also began targeting warehouses of Russia's biggest online retailer Wildberries, inflicting losses not only on the company but also on hundreds of sellers who use the platform.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
His mother, Lisa Petrie, has called for tougher bail restrictions for those accused of inflicting serious injuries with knives.
From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026
In his novel “Sacred Hunger,” Barry Unsworth wrote: “Nothing a man suffers will prevent him from inflicting suffering on others. Indeed, it will teach him the way.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026
Not only did I not like being the center of attention—that’s a job better suited for the twins—but I also felt bad for inflicting pain on Chencho, even though I had been suspicious of him.
From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall
