inflict
Inflict (verb) means to cause something unpleasant, such as pain, damage, or punishment, to be suffered by someone. Example: “The storm inflicted serious damage on coastal towns.”
How to use inflict
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make someone suffer something bad, or to cause damage.
Something is inflicted ON someone, not "inflicted to" or "inflicted for."
Word forms
inflicted past tense, inflicts singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The storm _____ serious damage on coastal towns.
Etymology
From Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, "to strike against," from in- plus fligere ("to strike").
Synonyms
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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.