inflict
[ in-flikt ]
verb (used with object)
to impose as something that must be borne or suffered: to inflict punishment.
to impose (anything unwelcome): The regime inflicted burdensome taxes on the people.
to deal or deliver, as a blow.
Origin of inflict
1First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin inflīctus, past participle of inflīgere “to strike or dash against,” equivalent to in- “in” + flīg- (stem of flīgere “to beat down”) + -tus past participle suffix; see in-2
Other words from inflict
- in·flict·a·ble, adjective
- in·flict·er, in·flic·tor, noun
- in·flic·tive, adjective
- pre·in·flict, verb (used with object)
- un·in·flict·ed, adjective
Words that may be confused with inflict
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for inflict
inflict
/ (ɪnˈflɪkt) /
verb(tr)
(often foll by on or upon) to impose (something unwelcome, such as pain, oneself, etc)
rare to cause to suffer; afflict (with)
to deal out (blows, lashes, etc)
Origin of inflict
1C16: from Latin inflīgere to strike (something) against, dash against, from flīgere to strike
Derived forms of inflict
- inflictable, adjective
- inflicter or inflictor, noun
- infliction, noun
- inflictive, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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