inflict

verb

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

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.
The crew threw live birds at her, inflicting real injuries and once coming dangerously close to hurting her eye. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026 The plaintiffs challenging the project, DC Preservation League and two golfers, claim the work is inflicting irreversible damage. — Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, families like the Tylers are suing the Morgans in civil court for breach of contract and inflicting emotional distress. — Dave Savini, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Advertisement One production focuses on the suffering Israel inflicted, the other on the suffering Israelis endured. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 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

inflexive
inflict
inflictable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflict. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

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