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

"There is no military objective that justifies the wholesale destruction of a society's infrastructure or the deliberate infliction of suffering on civilian populations," he added.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Doe is also suing for malicious prosecution and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and seeks a jury trial.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

The plaintiffs sued Baldwin, his El Dorado Pictures company and Rust Movie Productions LLC, alleging negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2025

Judge Liman's dismissal comes a week after Lively asked to withdraw two of the claims in her suit against Baldoni - intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2025

These strained amenities are an effort to him who volunteers them, and an infliction to him who receives them, a failure and a mistake, in fact, all round.

From Social Transformations of the Victorian Age A Survey of Court and Country by Escott, T. H. S. (Thomas Hay Sweet)