inflict
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for inflict, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To cause something unpleasant, such as pain, damage, or punishment, to be suffered by someone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use inflict
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, "to strike against," from in- plus fligere ("to strike").
Full origin of inflict →Frequently asked questions
What does “inflict” mean?
The word “inflict” means to cause something unpleasant, such as pain, damage, or punishment, to be suffered by someone. In plain terms, to make someone suffer something bad, or to cause damage.
How do you pronounce “inflict”?
“Inflict” is pronounced ihn-FLIHKT (/ɪnˈflɪkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “inflict” in a sentence?
Here is “inflict” used in a sentence: “The storm inflicted serious damage on coastal towns.”
What part of speech is “inflict”?
“Inflict” is a verb.
Where does the word “inflict” come from?
The word “inflict” comes from Latin. From Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, "to strike against," from in- plus fligere ("to strike").
Is “inflict” a common word?
“Inflict” is an uncommon word in modern English.