inflict
C1Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To cause something unpleasant, harmful, or burdensome to be suffered by someone or something.
To impose something unwelcome, such as pain, punishment, a burden, or oneself, on another. Can be used metaphorically (e.g., inflicting one's opinions).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically carries a negative connotation. The object of the verb is the unpleasant thing (pain, damage, punishment); the person/thing affected is introduced by 'on/upon'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and grammar are identical.
Connotations
Identical negative connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency; perhaps slightly more common in formal writing and news reports in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
inflict something on/upon somebody/somethingBE inflicted on/uponVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to inflict oneself/someone on someone (to force one's/unwanted company on someone)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The new regulations could inflict significant costs on small businesses.'
Academic
Common in history, political science, law. 'The regime inflicted severe reprisals on the populace.'
Everyday
Moderate. 'I didn't want to inflict my problems on her.' 'The storm inflicted widespread damage.'
Technical
Used in military, legal, and medical contexts (e.g., inflict injuries, inflict casualties).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The judge said he would inflict the maximum sentence.
- We must not inflict further suffering on the animals.
American English
- The hurricane inflicted billions in damage.
- He's always inflicting his political views on everyone at the party.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form derived from 'inflict'.
American English
- No standard adverb form derived from 'inflict'.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective form. Use 'inflictive' only in very technical/legal contexts (rare).
American English
- No common adjective form. Use 'inflictive' only in very technical/legal contexts (rare).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The boxer tried to inflict serious damage on his opponent.
- Please don't inflict your loud music on the neighbours.
- The new tax policy is likely to inflict hardship on low-income families.
- The army inflicted a crushing defeat on the rebels.
- The commission's report detailed the atrocities inflicted upon the civilian population.
- He was accused of deliberately inflicting psychological harm on his subordinates.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'IN' (into) + 'FLICT' (like in 'conflict' – a fight). You are putting a fight/pain INTO someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARM IS A FORCE/POSSESSION TRANSFERRED FROM AN AGENT TO A PATIENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'причинить' in all contexts. 'Inflict' is more specific: it implies an active agent imposing something negative. It is closer to 'нанести (удар, поражение, раны)' or 'обрушить (кару)'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'They inflicted him a punishment.' Correct: 'They inflicted a punishment on him.'
- Incorrect preposition: 'inflict to someone'. Correct: 'inflict on/upon someone'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'inflict' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Inflict' means to actively cause something bad (pain, damage) to someone/something else. 'Afflict' means to cause suffering or trouble to someone/oneself, often from an internal or passive source (e.g., a disease afflicts a population). You inflict something ON someone; someone/something IS afflicted WITH/BY something.
Almost never. Its core meaning is to impose something unpleasant. Using it positively is almost always ironic or humorous (e.g., 'I'm sorry to inflict my cooking on you').
Yes, that is the primary valency pattern. The direct object is the harm/punishment, and the recipient is the object of the preposition 'on' (or the more formal 'upon'). The passive voice is very common: 'Damage was inflicted on the property.'
The main noun form is 'infliction'. It can refer to the act of inflicting (e.g., 'the infliction of pain') or, informally, an annoying person or thing (e.g., 'He's a positive infliction!').