inflict

/in'flikt/

Thân thiện

The principal inflicted a harsh punishment on the students.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To impose or cause something unpleasant, harmful, or burdensome to be suffered by someone or something.
   • To administer or deal out something, typically a blow, punishment, or pain.

Usage

The verb "inflict" is used with the structure inflict something on/upon someone/something. It describes the action of making someone or something experience something negative. It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the thing being imposed) and is typically followed by "on" or "upon" to indicate the recipient.

Examples

• The new law will inflict heavy fines on polluters.
• He inflicted a serious wound on his opponent during the duel.
• The hurricane inflicted severe damage upon the coastal town.
• She did not want to inflict her problems on her friends.

Advanced Usage

• "to inflict oneself on/upon someone": To impose one's presence or company on someone, often when it is unwelcome.
  • He insisted on inflicting himself on their private gathering.
• "to inflict a blow": To strike or hit someone, either physically or metaphorically.
  • The news of the defeat inflicted a heavy blow on the team's morale.

Variants and Related Words

• Infliction (noun): The act of inflicting or the thing that is inflicted.
  • The cruel infliction of pain is unacceptable.
• Inflicter/Inflictor (noun): A person or thing that inflicts.
  • He was seen as the primary inflictor of suffering.

Synonyms

• Impose: To force something to be accepted or endured.
• Administer: To apply or dispense (e.g., justice, punishment).
• Deal out: To distribute or give out, especially something unpleasant.
• Wreak: To cause (a large amount of damage or harm).

Phrasal Verbs

Note: "Inflict" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is carried by the core verb with the preposition "on/upon."

Related Idioms

• "To inflict pain and suffering": A common legal and descriptive phrase for causing physical or emotional harm.
  • The assailant was charged with inflicting pain and suffering on the victim.
• "To inflict one's will": To force one's own desires or decisions on others.
  • The dictator was known for inflicting his will on the entire nation.

Học thuật

Verb

1. impose something unpleasant
   • The principal visited his rage on the students

Từ đồng nghĩa

• bring down
• visit
• impose