infliction

American  

[in-flik-shuhn] / ɪnˈflɪk ʃən /

noun

1. the act of inflicting.

2. something inflicted, as punishment or suffering.

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Other Word Forms

• preinfliction
  noun

Etymology

Origin of infliction

First recorded in 1525–35, infliction is from the Late Latin word inflīctiōn- (stem of inflīctiō ). See inflict, -ion

Explanation

Infliction is when you subject someone to a difficult or unpleasant experience. The infliction of pain on a little kid who needs to get a shot is not fun for him or for his parents. The noun infliction is good for talking about imposing something negative on someone. You might describe a bully's actions against a smaller child as including both the infliction of pain and the infliction of fear. The Latin root of infliction is inflictionem, or "a striking against," from inflictus, "to strike or dash against." It's important not to confuse infliction with affliction, which means "something that causes pain," but isn't done on purpose.

Example Sentences

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maurice Leiter allowed Svetnoy's claims of negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, but threw out a claim of assault, according to documents released on Friday.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The family is suing the company for breach of contract, negligence, infliction of emotional distress and violation of the California Health and Safety Code.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

The jury took only about an hour to clear the Grammy-winning rapper of the allegations of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress as well as negligence and false imprisonment.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 2025

Proving the intentional infliction of harm would mean the claimants could be awarded additional damages.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2025

The general principle of the earlier forms of justice is the lex talionis, but the infliction of the penalty was mostly in the discretion of the avenger.

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