Want to say inflict differently? Here are other words for inflict and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of inflict
The primary meaning of the word "inflict" is to impose something unpleasant or painful on someone.
Etymology of inflict
The word "inflict" comes from the Latin "infligere", which means "to strike or hit upon", and is a combination of "in-" (meaning "on" or "upon") and "fligere" (meaning "to strike")
The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of imposing something unpleasant or painful on someone
Synonyms
impose
force
mete
wreak
administer
deal
deliver
dispense
impose
visit
bring
cause
create
produce
effect
exact
extract
compel
coerce
oblige
enforce
dictate
command
ordain
prescribe
subject
submit
surrender
yield
persecute
torment
torture
harass
plague
beset
afflict
trouble
burden
weigh
oppress
depress
overwhelm
crush
devastate
ravage
ruin
destroy
demolish
annihilate
extirpate
eradicate
wipe out
Definitions
- To cause someone to suffer or experience something unpleasant, such as pain, injury, or hardship
- To impose a punishment, penalty, or fine on someone
- To cause something unpleasant or damaging to happen to someone or something
Usage Examples
- The judge inflicted a heavy fine on the defendant for his crime
- The disease inflicted tremendous pain and suffering on its victims
- The company inflicted significant damage on the environment through its reckless practices
Antonyms
alleviate
relieve
mitigate
soothe
comfort
console
solace
appease
placate
pacify
calm
tranquilize
ease
soften
lighten
reduce
diminish
minimize
alleviate
absolve
exempt
spare
reprieve
pardon
forgive
acquit
exonerate
vindicate
justify
excuse
rationalize
tolerate
endure
bear
withstand
resist
prevent
avoid
preclude