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.
Burch on Monday sued Los Angeles resident Christine Weber and her legal team, submitting a lawsuit in Los Angeles Supreme Court for malicious prosecution, abuse of process and intentional infliction of emotional distress. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The allegations in the criminal case match those in a lawsuit by influencer Aleksandra Vasilevna Mendoza — who is known online as Alorah Ziva — from April, which alleged battery, fraud and intentional infliction of emotional distress. — Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026 The lawsuit alleges negligence, battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false arrests, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, attorney Michael Gallagher said at a news conference Monday. — Daniella Silva, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026 The federal lawsuit alleges negligence, battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, malicious prosecution, false arrest, and false imprisonment. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 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

See All Rhymes for infliction

Browse Nearby Words

inflicter
infliction
inflictive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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