inflict

[ in-flikt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to impose as something that must be borne or suffered:

   to inflict punishment.

2. to impose (anything unwelcome):

   The regime inflicted burdensome taxes on the people.

3. to deal or deliver, as a blow.

inflict

/ ɪnˈflɪkt /

verb

1. often foll byon or upon to impose (something unwelcome, such as pain, oneself, etc)
2. rare.
   to cause to suffer; afflict (with)
3. to deal out (blows, lashes, etc)

Derived Forms

• inˈfliction, noun
• inˈflicter, noun
• inˈflictive, adjective
• inˈflictable, adjective

Other Words From

• in·flicta·ble adjective
• in·flicter in·flictor noun
• in·flictive adjective
• prein·flict verb (used with object)
• unin·flicted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflict¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin inflīctus, past participle of inflīgere “to strike or dash against,” equivalent to in- “in” + flīg- (stem of flīgere “to beat down”) + -tus past participle suffix; in- ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflict¹

C16: from Latin inflīgere to strike (something) against, dash against, from flīgere to strike

Example Sentences

South Africa are overwhelming favourites to inflict defeat on Wales, who have lost their past 11 Test matches.

From BBC

Chronic stress can inflict more serious damage to the immune system and make people more vulnerable to heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, infertility, clinical anxiety, depression and other ailments.

From Los Angeles Times

He is also inflicting more cruelty on the women involved in these alleged sex parties.

From Salon

That means Netanyahu has roughly 70 days to inflict as much damage as possible against Hamas militants in Gaza and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

From Los Angeles Times

"I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa," he wrote.

From BBC

Related Words

• exact
• expose
• levy
• wreak