Inflict — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈflikt/ in·flict

Meaning & Definition of Inflict

Inflict (verb)

  1. to give by or as if by striking
  2. to cause (something unpleasant) to be endured
  3. afflict

Inflict (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted

    "The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims."

    similar: entail, force, impose, thrust, beget, bring, bring about, bring on, create, effectuate, generate, induce, invoke, make, produce, prompt, result (in), spawn, fob off, foist, palm, palm off, pass off, wish, coerce, compel

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Inflict

The most common words with a similar meaning to Inflict:

entail, force, impose, thrust, beget, bring, bring about, bring on, create, effectuate, generate, induce, invoke, make, produce, prompt, result (in), spawn, fob off, foist, palm, palm off, pass off, wish, coerce, compel

Word Forms of Inflict

Inflections: inflicted, inflicting, inflicts

Derived words: inflicter (noun), inflictive (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Inflict

Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- + fligere to strike profligate

First known use: 1566

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Inflict

Frequently Asked Questions about Inflict

What does "Inflict" mean?

"Inflict" means to give by or as if by striking. As a verb, it is defined as: to give by or as if by striking.

What is another word for "Inflict"?

Other words for "Inflict" include entail, force, impose, thrust, beget, bring, bring about and bring on. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Inflict" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Inflict"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Inflict". Common alternatives include entail, force, impose, thrust, beget, bring, bring about, bring on, create and effectuate.

How do you use "Inflict" in a sentence?

Examples of "Inflict" in a sentence: "The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.".

Is "Inflict" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Inflict" is a verb.

Is "Inflict" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Inflict" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Inflict"?

"Inflict" is pronounced /in-ˈflikt/ and divided into syllables as in·flict.

What is the origin of the word "Inflict"?

"Inflict" comes from Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- + fligere to strike profligate. First known use: 1566.