incur
/in'kə:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To become subject to or experience something, typically something unpleasant or undesirable, as a result of one's own actions or behavior.
- To bring something upon oneself; to make oneself liable or responsible for a consequence.
Usage
The verb "incur" is used when someone's actions directly cause them to experience a negative consequence, cost, or obligation. It is a formal word commonly used in legal, financial, and official contexts. It is followed by the negative consequence (e.g., a debt, a penalty, a cost).
Examples
- Financial/Formal Context:
- The company will incur significant expenses if the project is delayed.
- By breaking the contract, you may incur a hefty penalty.
- General Consequence:
- His reckless comments incurred the wrath of his superiors.
- She did not want to incur any further obligations.
Advanced Usage
- "to incur the risk of (something)": To make oneself vulnerable to a specific danger or negative outcome.
- Driving without a seatbelt incurs the risk of serious injury.
- "to incur a liability": A legal and financial term meaning to become legally responsible for a debt or obligation.
- The trustee can incur personal liability for breaches of duty.
Variants and Related Words
- Incurred (verb, past tense/past participle): The form used for actions that have already happened.
- The costs incurred during the trip were reimbursed.
- Incurrence (noun): The act or fact of incurring something.
- The incurrence of debt must be approved by the board.
Synonyms
- Sustain: To undergo or suffer (something unpleasant).
- Attract: To bring (something unwelcome) upon oneself through one's own behavior or properties.
- Provoke: To stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one).
Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Incur" is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. The meaning is contained within the single verb.)
Related Idioms
(Note: There are no common idioms centered solely on the word "incur." Its usage is typically direct and formal.)
Verb
- receive a specified treatment (abstract)
- These aspects of civilization do not find expression or receive an interpretation
- His movie received a good review
- I got nothing but trouble for my good intentions
- make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
- People who smoke incur a great danger to their health