inflict

verb

Definition of inflictnext
as in to impose
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inflict And its mercenary form—which is also its most common form—has indeed inflicted harm. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 The supremely overconfident Graver finally shows some remorse for the damage their dirty work has inflicted on innocent lives. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 The individual who inflicted the fatal injury drove the spear downward through the victim’s left chest cavity from the front, piercing major arteries and the lungs before creating the hole in the left scapula. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026 Civilian airports are increasingly becoming military targets, as nations at war seek new ways to inflict economic and psychological damage. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
  1. impose
  2. create
  3. force
  4. bring
Verb
  • Voters in six states will soon decide whether to impose or expand voter identification requirements, including rules requiring mail voters to provide part of a driver’s license or Social Security number.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Russia imposed temporary export controls on helium in April to protect its domestic supply.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of impose
Verb
  • The deep soaking tub and clear shower stall are set pieces in the room, creating a real open and airy feel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Knight may have been thinking about the film for 16 years, but creating the version that is coming out in 2026 wouldn’t have been possible without all of the learnings spread across films like ParaNorman and Kubo and the Two Strings.
    — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of create
Verb
  • Rather than chasing fancy titles or splashy paychecks throughout her career, she’s gravitated toward jobs that pushed her out of her comfort zone, forced her to take risks, and taught her to embrace a little chaos.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The defense once again gave the offense an opportunity, forcing an Argyle punt, and this time, Heritage capitalized with a 2-yard rushing TD from Vargas to cut the lead to 7 points.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • Tariffs cannot build a better car The problem is, protection alone cannot make an American factory more productive, lower the cost of a battery, or bring a better vehicle to market.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As the first Laika movie explicitly set in Portland, the studio looked for inspiration in their own backyards for how to bring the universe of Colin Meloy's titular novel to life.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of bring

Browse Nearby Words

inflexible
inflict
inflicted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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