First Known Use: 1566
Dictionary
inflict
verb in·flict \in-ˈflikt\
: to cause someone to experience or be affected by (something unpleasant or harmful)
Full Definition of INFLICT
transitive verb
1
: afflict
2
a : to give by or as if by striking <inflict pain> b : to cause (something unpleasant) to be endured
— in·flict·er or in·flic·tor \-ˈflik-tər\ noun
— in·flic·tive \-tiv\ adjective
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Origin of INFLICT
Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- + fligere to strike — more at profligate
INFLICT Defined for Kids
inflict
verb in·flict \in-ˈflikt\
in·flict·edin·flict·ing
Definition of INFLICT for Kids
1
: to give by or as if by striking <inflict a wound>
2
: to cause to be put up with <… you endure the boredom that doctors and dentists inflict on their patients before bringing them in … — Lemony Snicket, The Ersatz Elevator>
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