infliction

[in-flik-shuh n]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR infliction ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act of inflicting.

something inflicted, as punishment or suffering.

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. 2019

Related Words for infliction

visitation, pain, punishment, castigation

Examples from the Web for infliction

Contemporary Examples of infliction

He enjoyed the infliction of pain, as long as he wasn't the object of it.
Danger Stalks Lucas Davenport
Daily Beast Promotions
May 11, 2009

Historical Examples of infliction

And then, no infliction that Heaven might now cast upon him could be too heavy.
Abbe Mouret's Transgression
Emile Zola
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.
Evenings at Donaldson Manor
Maria J. McIntosh

Word Origin and History for infliction

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