inflict
pronunciation
How to pronounce inflict in British English:
UK [ɪnˈflɪkt]
How to pronounce inflict in American English:
US [ɪnˈflɪkt]
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- Verb:
- impose something unpleasant
Word Origin
- inflict
- inflict: see profligate
- inflict (v.)
- 1560s, from Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere "to strike or dash against," from in- "on, against" (see in- (2)) + fligere (past participle flictus) "to dash, strike" (see afflict). You inflict trouble on someone; you afflict someone with trouble. Shame on you.
Example
- 1. Lasting power shortages could cripple manufacturing and inflict worse damage on japan 's exports .
- 2. In a democracy , willingness to inflict economic pain is rarely a route to credibility .
- 3. Most nesting areas in the 200-hectare reserve are fenced off : respect the limits and remember that penguins can inflict serious bites .
- 4. Part of the risk facing investors is that the math on bond prices and yields means it won 't take much higher yields to inflict substantial losses .
- 5. Apart from prospective students , the proposals will inflict the greatest discomfort on rank-and-file lib dem mps .