ə̇nˈflikt transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- in- (II) + fligere to strike — more at profligate
1. : to lay (a blow) on : cause (something damaging or painful) to be endured : impose
threaten punishments you do not mean to inflict — Bertrand Russell
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted — U.S. Constitution
inflict defeat
inflict a beating
2. : afflict
miners are still out, and industry … is inflicted with a kind of creeping paralysis — H.J.Laski