Incur

/ɪnˈkɜːr/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To become subject to (something unwelcome or unpleasant) as a result of one's own actions.

If you fail to pay your bills on time, you may incur late fees.

To bring upon oneself; to acquire or accumulate as a result of actions undertaken.

The company incurred significant losses due to the poor economic climate.

To subject oneself to a risk or consequence.

By ignoring the warning signs, she incurred the danger of a severe injury.

To become liable to; to suffer from.

He incurred a fine for parking in a no-parking zone.

Middle English, from Latin 'incurrere', meaning 'to run into'.

incur expenses

To take on costs related to some activity.

incur debt

To become obligated to pay back money borrowed.

incur penalties

To face negative consequences for not following rules.

accrue

To accumulate or increase over time.

liable

Legally responsible.

debt

Money owed to someone.

To take a hit.

He really incurred a hit on his savings after that investment.

To bite the bullet.

I guess I have to incur the debt if I want to buy that car.