inflict

1 of 2

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

inflicter

2 of 2

noun

in·​flict·​er

variants or inflictor

-tə(r) 

plural -s

: one that inflicts

death with his comrade, the inflicter of wounds, roamed the darkened streets

—Sean O'Casey

Examples of inflict in a Sentence

Verb

These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Tehran has also used the threat of unconventional attacks to inflict chaos on global energy markets and threaten the safety of Air Force One. — Greg Miller, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026

Caruso has been charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse inflicting mental injury. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

The picture could change, however, if higher rates finally begin to inflict significant damage on the economy or financial markets. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026

Media coverage tends to focus on long-range air strikes Russia and Ukraine are inflicting deep inside each other's territory. — Greg Myre, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- + fligere to strike — more at profligate

First Known Use

Verb

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