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. to impose (something unwelcome, such as pain, oneself, etc)

2. rare,  to cause to suffer; afflict (with)

3. to deal out (blows, lashes, etc)

Other Word Forms

• infliction noun
• inflicter noun
• inflictive adjective
• inflictable adjective
• inflictor noun
• preinflict verb (used with object)
• uninflicted 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

By 4 September the armoured vehicles had moved on, images reviewed by BBC Verify showed, with further damage inflicted on buildings in the area.

From BBC

Previous defeats inflicted by the Proteas' Test team resulted in the resignations of three England captains in succession: Nasser Hussain, Michael Vaughan and Andrew Strauss.

From BBC

Annabelle wanted councillors to "think about all the emotions they are inflicting on families".

From BBC

Dr Armour said she thought the injury was inflicted "at least 48 hours before death" and that it happened after Mrs Kneale's admission.

From BBC

The typhoon had earlier skirted China's southern coast - inflicting damage to roads, water supply systems and infrastructure - as it made its way towards Vietnam.

From BBC

Related Words

• exact 
• expose 
• levy 
• wreak