inflict

verb

in·​flict in-ˈflikt 

inflicted; inflicting; inflicts

transitive verb

1

a

: to give by or as if by striking

inflict a painful sting

inflict damage

b

: to cause (something unpleasant) to be endured

… inflict my annual message upon the church itself if it might derive benefit thereby.

—Mark Twain

2

: afflict

inflicter noun

or inflictor

in-ˈflik-tər 

inflictive

in-ˈflik-tiv 

adjective

Examples of inflict in a Sentence

These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hitting their target would push them to inflict extensive suffering on millions of American families. —Robert Pearl, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Ukrainian defenders are steadfastly holding back the onslaught of the occupiers, inflicting significant losses on them. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

China has been expanding its boarding schools for Tibetan children even as countries like the United States, Canada and Australia have been grappling with the trauma inflicted on generations of Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families and placed in residential schools. —Chris Buckley, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Aaron Lynwood Carter, 27, is charged with one count of felony involuntary manslaughter and one count of felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury in connection with 2-year-old River Carter's death, according to a statement from the Moore County Sheriff’s Office. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- + fligere to strike — more at profligate

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

inflict

verb

in·​flict in-ˈflikt 

1

: to give by or as if by striking

inflict a wound

2

: to cause (something damaging or painful) to be endured

inflict punishment

infliction

-ˈflik-shən

noun