Cool MateMeaning of Inflict
to make somebody/something suffer something unpleasant
In simple words: To cause something painful or unpleasant to someone.
Inflict in a sentence
- They inflicted a humiliating defeat on the home team.
- Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy.
- Do you have to inflict that music on us?
- They surveyed the damage inflicted by the storm.
- The rodent’s sharp teeth can inflict a nasty bite.
- When someone deliberately inflicts damage, it is a matter for the police.
How to use Inflict
Use 'inflict' when discussing harm or suffering, typically in serious contexts. It may be too strong for light conversations.
Grammar pattern
inflict + object + on + someone
Memory hint
Think of 'inflict' as 'in-flex' — imagine bending a stick until it breaks and causing pain.
Related words
Collocations with Inflict
- deliberately
- intentionally
- on
- upon
Synonyms for Inflict
- impose
- administer
- infuse
- wreak
- cause
Common mistakes with Inflict
- Confused with 'instill' — they have different meanings.
- Used with incorrect prepositions, such as 'to' instead of 'on'.
- Using it in conversations where a milder word like 'give' would be more appropriate.
Inflict appears in
Inflict in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
يُلحِق / يُسبِّب
تسبب في ألم أو شيء سيء لشخص ما.
- Bengaliবাংলা
কষ্ট দেওয়া
কাউকে কষ্টকর বা অপ্রীতিকর কিছু দেওয়া।
- GermanDeutsch
zufügen
Jemandem etwas Schmerzhaftes oder Unangenehmes zufügen.
- SpanishEspañol
Infligir
Causar algo doloroso o desagradable a alguien.
- Persianفارسی
تحمیل کردن
باعث درد یا ناراحتی به کسی شدن.
- FrenchFrançais
Infliger
Causer quelque chose de douloureux ou de désagréable à quelqu'un.
- Hindiहिन्दी
चोट पहुँचाना
किसी को दर्दनाक या अप्रिय चीज़ का कारण बनना।
- ItalianItaliano
Infliggere
Causare qualcosa di doloroso o spiacevole a qualcuno.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Infligir
Causar algo doloroso ou desagradável a alguém.
- RussianРусский
Причинять, наносить
Причинить кому-то боль или неприятности.
- Urduاردو
تھوپنا، ڈالنا،لگانا
کسی پر کوئی تکلیف دہ یا ناگوار چیز ڈالنا۔
- Chinese中文
施加, 造成
给某人带来痛苦或不愉快的事情。
More words like Inflict
- Impose
- AdministerC1
to manage and organize the affairs of a company, an organization, a country, etc.
- Cause
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
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Frequently asked questions about Inflict
What does Inflict mean?
To cause something painful or unpleasant to someone.
What is the definition of Inflict?
to make somebody/something suffer something unpleasant
How do you use Inflict in a sentence?
They inflicted a humiliating defeat on the home team.
Can you give another example of Inflict?
Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy.
What are synonyms for Inflict?
Common alternatives include impose, administer, infuse, wreak, cause.
What is the opposite of Inflict?
Opposite meanings include relieve, soothe, comfort.
What words go with Inflict?
It commonly pairs with deliberately, intentionally, on, upon.
What are common mistakes when using Inflict?
Confused with 'instill' — they have different meanings. Used with incorrect prepositions, such as 'to' instead of 'on'. Using it in conversations where a milder word like 'give' would be more appropriate.
How do you pronounce Inflict?
US: /["/ɪnˈflɪkt/","/ɪnˈflɪkts/","/ɪnˈflɪktɪd/","/ɪnˈflɪktɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪnˈflɪkt/","/ɪnˈflɪkts/","/ɪnˈflɪktɪd/","/ɪnˈflɪktɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
Is Inflict formal or informal?
"Inflict" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.
When should I use Inflict?
Use 'inflict' when discussing harm or suffering, typically in serious contexts. It may be too strong for light conversations.
What CEFR level is Inflict?
"Inflict" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.