[in.flict] vt [L inflictus, pp. of infligere, fr. in- + fligere to strike--more at profligate] (1566) 1: afflict
2. a: to give by or as if by striking "~ pain" "~ heavy losses" b: to cause (something unpleasant) to be endured "~ my annual message upon the church --Mark Twain" -- in.flict.er or in.flic.tor n -- in.flic.tive adj