inflict

Definition of inflictnext
as in to impose
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inflict Instead of providing convenience, services and consumption, the regime only inflicts repression, intrusion and censorship. Jason Ma, Fortune, 16 May 2026 Kmari Ja’Suan Knotts, 19, also was charged with four counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department news release. Joe Marusak may 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2026 Boiling water acts as a contact herbicide that inflicts thermal shock on the weeds' plant cells. David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 16 May 2026 Supporters, however, argue the laws recognize that infidelity can inflict devastating emotional and financial harm that extends far beyond the couple involved. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
  • Although no criminal charges have been filed against Diaz, MLB’s personal conduct policy allows the league to impose significant discipline regardless of the legal outcome.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • The Council last year passed legislation imposing significantly more restrictions on outdoor dining compared to the loose regulations allowing restaurants to participate with few barriers during the pandemic.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Wilson worked alongside stylist Alexandra Mandelkorn and the Oscar de la Renta team to create a custom gown featuring tiny Japanese cherry blossoms around the neckline and scattered throughout the design, according to Vogue.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • On the planet, the Mandalorians encounter Gideon, who is revealed to have created clones of himself.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • The economic loss could rise to as much as 100 trillion won if chip production disruptions force Samsung to scrap semiconductor wafers already in production.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • The fire destroyed two structures — a cabin and an equipment shed — and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees, who were rescued by a Santa Barbara County Fire Department helicopter.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Mercury enters Gemini in your 5th House of Creativity, bringing fresh language, playful ideas, and more courage around self expression.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • The holiday weekend brought even more people into the city.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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