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infliction

[in-flik-shuh n]
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noun
  1. the act of inflicting.
  2. something inflicted, as punishment or suffering.
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Origin of infliction

First recorded in 1525–35, infliction is from the Late Latin word inflīctiōn- (stem of inflīctiō). See inflict, -ion
Related formspre·in·flic·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for infliction

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • And then, no infliction that Heaven might now cast upon him could be too heavy.

  • Well, we can only pledge ourselves not to exaggerate the infliction of these evils.

    One Of Them

    Charles James Lever

  • Instead of rivets there came an invasion, an infliction, a visitation.

    Heart of Darkness

    Joseph Conrad

  • America is spared the infliction of this notorious "cuckoo."

    My Studio Neighbors

    William Hamilton Gibson

  • Self-immolation were easy in comparison with the infliction of one pang on her.

Word Origin and History for infliction

n.

1530s, from Late Latin inflictionem (nominative inflictio) "an inflicting, a striking against," noun of action from past participle stem of Latin infligere (see inflict).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper