Inflict

/ɪnˈflɪkt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to impose something harmful or unpleasant on someone or something.

The storm inflicted severe damage on the coastal towns.

to cause (something unpleasant or painful) to be suffered by someone or something.

The teacher did not want to inflict unnecessary stress on her students.

to force someone to undergo or tolerate (something harmful or unpleasant).

The government decided to inflict heavy taxes on citizens to boost revenue.

to drive or impel (as a blow or wound).

The athlete inflicted a serious injury on his opponent during the match.

from Latin 'infligere' meaning 'to strike against'.

inflict damage

to cause harm to something or someone

inflict pain

to cause suffering or discomfort

inflict punishment

to impose a penalty or consequence for an offense

afflict

to cause pain or suffering to someone.

impose

to force something unwelcome to be accepted.

hit hard or cause trouble, often used in informal contexts

Don't inflict drama on me right now!

to put someone in a tough situation

He really inflicted chaos at the party last night.