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 For all the damage that Kennedy has inflicted, his actions on vaccines have largely been piecemeal and procedural. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026 Both Russia and Ukraine are trying through long-range strikes to inflict economic pain, disrupt military supplies and erode public morale. ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Mustafa Ali and Jason Hotch went above and beyond to inflict damage on each other during their match at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s (TNA) Lockdown for the International Championship. Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 What happens when the response to the horror of 9/11 becomes an arena for perpetration of further crimes, rather than the healing of wounds already inflicted? Christopher Coffman, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
  • And while several Asian countries imposed emergency measures to conserve fuel, a lengthy and catastrophic shortage never materialized.
    Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Meta agreed to impose changes including a default two-hour daily time limit for teens across Facebook and Instagram, muted notifications during school hours, and enhanced parental controls, with more updates potentially on the horizon.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Designed as a therapeutic companion, the robot resembles a baby seal and uses soft fur, gentle movements, and responsive sounds to create the calming presence of a living pet.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This poplin maxi skirt is stylish, and its A-line cut can create a flattering silhouette on all body types.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As more cars wrecked behind the incident, NASCAR was forced to throw the caution flag — freezing the field with Preece in front.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes, operators were forced to drain one pond and divert its water to save fish in another, the Hungarian Aquaculture and Fisheries Inter-branch Organization said in early August.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Moon enters Aries and your 11th House of Friends, Community, and Future Plans, bringing energy to invitations, brainstorms, and shared goals.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Brooks Lee hit a two-run home run and Kody Clemens had a solo home run, bringing the Twins within 4-3.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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