inflict

verb

in·​flict in-ˈflikt How to pronounce inflict (audio)
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
inflicter noun
or inflictor
inflictive adjective

Examples of inflict in a Sentence

These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.
Recent Examples on the Web But researchers still know relatively little about brain injuries inflicted by a spouse or partner. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 The agency cited improvements in the rates of hospitalizations and deaths inflicted by the virus this past season for the change in its recommendations. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2024 The framework for healing and restitution demonstrated in the compensation and support model for Holocaust survivors, as well as the United States' acknowledgment of the wrongs inflicted upon families in Japanese Internment camps, gave me a lot to work with. Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 There is no reasonable explanation for anyone to inflict harm upon another in our communities. The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Still, time inflicts insults in myriad ways, both small and—increasingly over the years—large. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2024 By stunning Świątek 6-4 6-4 in the semifinal on Friday, Kalinskaya became just the second-ever qualifier to reach a WTA 1000 final, and the second player to inflict defeat upon the Polish star in her last 26 matches. Issy Ronald, CNN, 24 Feb. 2024 Tarsiers in captivity have even been observed inflicting these lethal injuries on themselves. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 And that as a result, a minor obtained the firearm, discharged it and inflicted serious impairment of a body function upon the minor. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflict was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near inflict

Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflict. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inflict

verb
in·​flict in-ˈflikt How to pronounce inflict (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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