inflicted; inflicting; inflicts
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
Mark Twain2
: afflict
Examples of inflict in a Sentence
These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.
Recent Examples on the Web
And, in violation of the fundamental separation of power principles on which our Constitution is based, Trump has set himself up as prosecutor, judge, and jury, claiming the right to inflict punishment on specific groups or individuals with the stroke of his pen.
—James Speyer, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
Although the president has been unhappy with Powell for years, his most recent comments came after the Fed chair spoke at an event in Chicago and said the administration’s sweeping tariffs were larger than expected and that the lingering uncertainty could inflict lasting economic damage.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
They're expected to reduce diagnostic and therapeutic errors that inflict harm and generate substantial costs.
—Kevin Vigilante, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
But that devastation is based entirely on the attention Antetokounmpo draws and his ability to make the right play to inflict as much damage as possible on each possession.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
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James Speyer, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
Although the president has been unhappy with Powell for years, his most recent comments came after the Fed chair spoke at an event in Chicago and said the administration’s sweeping tariffs were larger than expected and that the lingering uncertainty could inflict lasting economic damage.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
They're expected to reduce diagnostic and therapeutic errors that inflict harm and generate substantial costs.
—Kevin Vigilante, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
But that devastation is based entirely on the attention Antetokounmpo draws and his ability to make the right play to inflict as much damage as possible on each possession.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflict. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inflict
verb
in·flict
in-ˈflikt 
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
noun
-ˈflik-shən
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