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.
Iran has aimed significant firepower at its neighbors’ refineries, oil exports and tourist attractions, inflicting economic havoc on the Gulf states and the countries that do business with them. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 In addition to inflicting devastating loss on the battlefield, Ukrainian drones are now advanced enough to penetrate deep into Russian territory. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 The result is a further layer of complexity in what has become a series of overlapping conflicts that have defied resolution and risk inflicting even greater harm on the world economy in the weeks and months ahead. — Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for assault with a deadly weapon — a third strike, which included a sentence-enhancement of a violent felony intended to inflict great bodily injury. — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of inflict for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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