inflict

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/ɪnˈflɪkt/
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The act of making someone or something suffer harm, damage, punishment, or another unwelcome burden.
Practice using inflict in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • A poorly designed policy may inflict hardship on families.
  • Harsh criticism can inflict lasting emotional harm.
  • The injury inflicted months of pain before it healed.
  • The court inflicted a large fine on the company.
  • The army tried not to inflict casualties on civilians.

Similar words

administer
cause
deliver
bring about
wreak
impose
deal
mete out

Meanings

Cause something harmful to be suffered

verb
harm
neutral
To make someone or something suffer harm, pain, damage, punishment, or another unwelcome burden.

Examples

  • The storm inflicted heavy damage on the coast.
  • The court inflicted a large fine on the company.
  • Harsh criticism can inflict lasting emotional harm.
  • The army tried not to inflict casualties on civilians.
  • A poorly designed policy may inflict hardship on families.
  • The injury inflicted months of pain before it healed.

Similar words

cause
impose
administer
deal
deliver
mete out
wreak
bring about

Etymology

From Latin inflictus, the past participle of infligere, meaning to strike on or against, from in- plus fligere, to strike.

FAQ

What does inflict mean?

Inflict means to cause someone or something to suffer harm, pain, damage, punishment, or another unwelcome burden.

What preposition is used with inflict?

The usual pattern is inflict something on someone or inflict something upon someone.

Can inflict be used for positive things?

No. Inflict normally describes harmful, painful, or unwelcome effects.

What is the past tense of inflict?

The past tense and past participle are inflicted.

How is inflict different from afflict?

Inflict means to cause harm or impose a burden, while afflict means to trouble or make someone suffer.

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