v.tr. (usu. foll. by on, upon) 1 administer, deal (a stroke, wound, defeat, etc.). 2 (also refl.) often joc. impose (suffering, a penalty, oneself, one's company, etc.) on (shall not inflict myself on you any longer). inflictable adj. inflicter n. inflictor n.
[ L infligere inflict- (as IN-(2), fligere strike) ]