Inflict
/ɪnˈflɪkt/noun
To cause someone to experience something unpleasant or painful.
Did you know?The word 'inflict' conveys a sense of imposing pain or suffering, deeply rooted in ancient concepts of punishment and sacrifice.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
inflictus
“To strike or impose punishment.”
12th Century
Old French
infliter
“To strike or inflict.”
14th Century
Middle English
inflicten
“To impose or bring upon.”
Modern English
English
inflict
“To cause pain or suffering deliberately.”
Explore more surprising origins