inflict
in-FLIKT
/ɪnˈflɪkt/
To cause (something unpleasant or painful) to be suffered by someone or something.
Inflict is almost always used with negative objects like 'pain,' 'damage,' 'injury,' or 'punishment.' You don't 'inflict' a gift or a compliment.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'infligere,' meaning 'to strike against.' It originally referred to the physical act of striking someone with a weapon or hand.
Word relationships
- impose: Impose is used for rules, taxes, or burdens; inflict is more common for physical or emotional pain.
- wreak: Wreak is specifically used with 'havoc' or 'vengeance.'
- alleviate: To make suffering or a problem less severe.
- withhold: To refuse to give or grant something.
Commonly confused with
- afflict: You inflict pain on someone else; a disease afflicts a person (they suffer from it).
Word family
- infliction (noun): The action of inflicting something unpleasant.
Collocations
- inflict pain
- inflict injury
- inflict damage
- inflict punishment
Example sentences
- "The robbers used heavy clubs to inflict serious injuries on the store owner." Describing the result of an attack.
- "The economic sanctions were designed to inflict maximum pressure on the regime." A discussion on the effects of war.
Memory hook
Inflict = In + Flick. Imagine 'flicking' someone hard in the eye—you are causing them pain. To cause pain or damage.
When not to use
Do not use for positive or neutral actions.
Fun facts
- The word 'conflict' comes from the same root 'fligere' (to strike together).
- In legal terms, 'intentional infliction of emotional distress' is a specific type of lawsuit.
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