inflict
verb
in·flict
| \ in-ˈflikt
\
\
inflicted;
inflicting;
inflicts
Definition of inflict
1
: afflict
2a
: 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
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Other Words from inflict
inflicter
or inflictor \ in-ˈflik-tər
\
noun
\
noun
inflictive
\ in-ˈflik-tiv
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of inflict in a Sentence
These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.
Recent Examples on the Web
But the script quickly discards Nadia; Wood’s real interest is in the psychological damage that the past inflicts on the present and on the future. — Jonathan Holland, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Spider' ('Araña'): Film Review | TIFF 2019," 7 Sep. 2019 The spat between South Korea and Japan has little to do with such present-day threats and everything to do with chronic historical grievances, notably over Japan’s annexation of Korea and the suffering inflicted on its people during the war. — The Economist, "An old grudge between Japan and South Korea is getting out of hand," 29 Aug. 2019 Albert Wilson, who accused Howard of previously throwing feces on him, has been indicted for inflicting second-degree burns on his fellow inmate. — Jerry Mitchell, ProPublica, "Inside The Prison Where Inmates Set Each Other On Fire and Gangs Have More Power Than Guards," 19 Aug. 2019 The tournament, in general, is very short on countries that appear to harbor credible hope of inflicting the United States with its first loss since 2006 in terms of games played with a full complement of N.B.A. players. — Marc Stein, New York Times, "After Gloomy Talk of No-Shows, Signs of Optimism for U.S.A. Basketball," 18 Aug. 2019 Some of the fractures were healing, indicating they had been inflicted earlier. — Kristi Belcamino, Twin Cities, "Apple Valley man, 23, charged with abusing infant son, who suffered more than 30 bone fractures," 14 Aug. 2019 The loss on Saturday was the second humping City have inflicted on West Ham in a matter of weeks, having also beaten them 4-1 in the Premier League Asia Trophy semi-final. — SI.com, "Brighton vs West Ham Preview: Where to Watch, Buy Tickets, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News," 14 Aug. 2019 Nothing happened to match what Union generals Sherman and Sheridan inflicted on Georgia and Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. — Mary Ann Ashcraft, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Carroll Yesteryears: Local newspapers reported on dire circumstances in post-Civil War South," 9 Aug. 2019 Cornelius Johnson, 20, faces multiple charges of inflicting bodily harm, kidnapping and eluding authorities, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. — Joe Mario Pedersen, orlandosentinel.com, "Florida man arrested after beating, kidnapping woman near Daytona Beach airport: report," 6 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inflict.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for inflict
inflict
verb
English Language Learners Definition of inflict
: to cause someone to experience or be affected by (something unpleasant or harmful)
See the full definition for inflict in the English Language Learners Dictionary
inflict
verb
in·flict
| \ in-ˈflikt
\
\
inflicted;
inflicting
Kids Definition of inflict
1
: to give by or as if by striking
inflict a wound
2
: to cause to be put up with
… you endure the boredom that doctors and dentists inflict on their patients before bringing them in …— Lemony Snicket, The Ersatz Elevator
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