inflict
/in'flikt/
Definition
- 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.
Verb
-
impose something unpleasant
-
The principal visited his rage on the students
-
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