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Definition of inflict

inflict

/ɪnˈflɪkt/
in · flict
Adjective:inflictive
•
Past Simple:inflicted
•
Past Participle:inflicted
•
Present Participle:inflicting
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inflict Lexical Profile

inflict Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause something unpleasant, painful, or harmful to be suffered by someone or something.

Example

"The severe winter storm inflicted widespread damage on the coastal infrastructure."

2

To force someone to experience or endure something unwelcome or tedious.

Example

"He promised not to inflict his endless vacation slideshows on the dinner guests."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inflict
Antonyms
View all antonyms for inflict

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'inflict' with 'afflict'. One inflicts something unpleasant (such as pain, damage, or a penalty) upon someone else, whereas a person is afflicted with or by a condition or hardship.

• Rhymes for inflict

• Nearby Words

inflexibility
inflexible
inflexibly
inflict
inflicter
infliction
inflight

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin 'inflictus', the past participle of 'infligere' ('to strike against or dash upon'), formed from 'in-' ('into, upon') and 'fligere' ('to strike').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inflict. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inflict
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