inflict Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb impose something unpleasant
bring down; impose; visit.
- The principal visited his rage on the students

L. inflictus, p.p. of infligere to strike on, to inflict; pref. in- in, on + fligere to strike. Cf. Flail.

imperfect & past participle Inflicted; present participle & verbal noun Inflicting

To give, cause, or produce by striking, or as if by striking; to apply forcibly; to lay or impose; to send; to cause to bear, feel, or suffer; as, to inflict blows; to inflict a wound with a dagger; to inflict severe pain by ingratitude; to inflict punishment on an offender; to inflict the penalty of death on a criminal.
What heart could wish, what hand inflict, this dire disgrace? Drygen.

The persecution and the pain That man inflicts on infero-ior kinds. Cowper.