inflict

verb

in·​flict in-ˈflikt How to pronounce inflict (audio)
inflicted; inflicting; inflicts
Synonyms of inflictnext

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 How to pronounce inflict (audio)
inflictive
in-ˈflik-tiv How to pronounce inflict (audio)
adjective

Examples of inflict in a Sentence

These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Palico's attacks with blunt weapons do not inflict stun and exhaust damages. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 Most of the long-range kamikaze drones and missiles employed in recent conflicts have been shot down; those that get through tend to inflict little damage on their targets. — Stacie L. Pettyjohn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Mar. 2025 Sunni dominance has inflicted deep scars on the region, and minorities like the Alawites, as well as Christians, Druze and Yazidis, all have reasons to fear the rise of extremist governance. — Marin Scott, NBC News, 9 Mar. 2025 The sight of these two doing their best to inflict maximum damage on one another plays like some kind of brutal initiation ritual, whereby the winner earns the right to a Hollywood career. — Peter Debruge, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflict

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

Rhymes for inflict

See All Rhymes for inflict

Browse Nearby Words

inflict
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Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflict. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on inflict

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inflict

Nglish: Translation of inflict for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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