inflict

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 Coupled with damaging frosts, these harsh conditions have inflicted significant harm on coffee crops, fueling a sharp rise in global prices. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 17 July 2025 Israel is committed to preventing continued harm from being inflicted on the Druze in Syria. Sawsan Natour-Hasson, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025 On the other hand, there’s room in America for Afrikaners from South Africa, the white minority of Dutch origin who claim they are being persecuted and subject to violence inflicted by the majority Black population. Howard Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025 Since early 2024, according to an estimate by Mykhailo Samus, a researcher in Kyiv, about eighty per cent of its losses in men and matériel have been inflicted by drones. Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
  • For months, Trump had threatened, but held off on, imposing new sanctions against Russia's oil industry.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 14 July 2025
  • The president said on Monday that the U.S. will impose 100% tariffs on countries that engage in trade with Russia if there is no peace deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Complete the Look Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Quilted Jumpsuit A set of coveralls like this linen-blend style can create a stylish no-fuss outfit.
    Rylee Johnston, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • So far nothing is forcing the city to even help arrest immigrants, even if Immigration and Customs Enforcement asks. Ohio State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) has introduced House Bill 26, which directs state and local authorities to assist ICE.
    Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • In 2022, then-Land Commissioner George P. Bush forced Paxton into a runoff in his bid for a third term for attorney general.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Every day brings a new word, and everyone around the world is trying to solve the same puzzle.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • This is a rare moment of consensus that might bring hope to a region long plagued by despair, if the US and Israel decide to engage.
    Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 1 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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