infliction
AmericanOther Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing infliction
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.
In March 2026, the classmate filed a civil lawsuit naming Griffin, ghostwriter Sam Lansky and the book’s publisher, alleging invasion of privacy, negligence and infliction of emotional distress.
From Salon ● Jun. 25, 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
Ladera filed her lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court on Sept. 15, alleging invasion of privacy, sexual cyberharassment under Florida Statute §784.049, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 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
Can Hell itself afford an infliction more terrible than such a memory?
From Agincourt The Works of G. P. R. James, Volume XX by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
