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

Additional charges were added for inflicting great bodily injury – which included domestic violence. —Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025

The assault escalated into a violent spectacle, with The Rock employing a belt to inflict further damage. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025

These policies inflicted generational trauma, dismantled local economies, and imposed structural barriers that continue to shape Indigenous realities today. —Oweesta, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Researchers said since it was buried so deep, it likely wasn’t meant to inflict injury. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 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

Rhymes for inflict

• addict
• afflict
• constrict
• delict
• depict
• evict
• handpicked
• predict
• relict
• restrict
• bricked
• clicked

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