infliction

noun

in·​flic·​tion in-ˈflik-shən How to pronounce infliction (audio)
1
: the act of inflicting
2
: something (such as punishment or suffering) that is inflicted

Examples of infliction in a Sentence

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 charges also include enhancements alleging the infliction of great bodily injury and fleeing the scene of a crime. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026 Scarry was writing specifically about the malicious infliction of pain on others, such as how torture is intended to destroy a victim’s sense of reality. — T.m. Brown, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 The Hoffmans are suing Boelter for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026 The Hoffman family has filed a lawsuit against Boelter, which accuses him of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and negligence per se, according to the civil complaint. — Riley Moser, CBS News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for infliction

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of infliction was in 1534

Rhymes for infliction

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Browse Nearby Words

inflicter
infliction
inflictive
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Cite this Entry

“Infliction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infliction. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infliction

Nglish: Translation of infliction for Spanish Speakers

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