incur

American  

[in-kur] / ɪnˈkɜr /

verb (used with object)

incurred, incurring

1. to come into or acquire (some consequence, usually undesirable or injurious).

   to incur a huge number of debts.

2. to become liable or subject to through one's own action; bring or take upon oneself.

   to incur his displeasure.

   Synonyms:

   provoke, incite, arouse

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incur British  

/ ɪnˈkɜː /

verb

1. to make oneself subject to (something undesirable); bring upon oneself

2. to run into or encounter

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Other Word Forms

• incurrable adjective
• reincur verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of incur

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin incurrere “to run into, come upon,” equivalent to in- in- ² + currere “to run”; current

Example Sentences

If energy prices seem set to remain high for the remainder of this year, workers are more likely to press for higher wages even as businesses will likely shy from incurring higher costs.

From The Wall Street Journal

But many low-income households don't have the savings to last that long and so have to borrow, incurring debt.

From BBC

Others were reportedly forced to turn to lawyers to help recover the money, incurring additional costs.

From BBC

In recent years, automakers have incurred costly charges from supply-chain disruptions.

From The Wall Street Journal

“All these extra costs that our local law enforcement have incurred,” she said, “they should reimburse us.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acquire
• arouse
• earn
• obtain
• provoke