inflict - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
inflict Word Meanings
- to cause something unpleasant to happen
- to impose as a burden
- to deliver damage or suffering
inflict Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
inflict Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈflɪkt/
US
/ɪnˈflɪkt/
inflict Word Etymology
in- = not + flict = strike. Originating from Latin, through Old French into English. Picture a person striking someone with a heavy weight, causing them to suffer.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push the door and feel the weight shift as it closes behind me. I hold the handle a moment longer, adjust my stance, and decide how much I will let the moment press on someone else. The feeling is a small burden of responsibility, a choice that can go from my hand to someone else’s day. In life, I move from intention to action, set a consequence in motion, and realize I may inflict something on someone else.
Real Context
Inflict is a transitive verb meaning to cause something unpleasant to happen to someone or something, or to impose as a burden or punishment. The subject does the action and the object bears the result. It is stronger than 'cause' and often implies a deliberate or forceful imposition, especially with harm, damage, pain, or hardship. Common collocations include inflict damage, inflict pain, inflict a punishment, and inflict casualties. Passive forms like 'damage was inflicted' are frequent in reporting. A common learner pitfall is confusing it with afflict, which describes what happens to someone, not what someone does to others. Remember the structure: inflict [something] on/upon [someone].
Usage Reminders
- Remember: inflict requires a direct object; you inflict something on someone. Use with concrete harms (damage, pain, injuries) or abstract burdens (burden, punishment). The subject causes the result; avoid saying something 'inflicts on himself.' The passive form is common in news: 'damage was inflicted.' Distinguish inflict from afflict (afflict describes suffering, not causing). Prepositions: inflict [something] on/upon [someone].
Common Misconceptions
- Inflict is always about physical harm; it can be used for emotional or financial burdens as well.
- Afflict and inflict are interchangeable; afflict means the subject suffers, inflict means the subject causes harm.
- You can say inflict on myself; use inflict on oneself only in rare, ironic contexts.
- Passive: 'damage was inflicted' is wrong; it should be 'damage was inflicted' (correct passive).
- Inflict can take 'on' or 'upon' after the object; choose the more natural preposition for the context.
Thinking Differences
In English, inflict foregrounds an active agent causing a harmful result; learners often slip with afflict or confuse it with casual causes. Remember the object comes from the verb: inflict [something] on [someone].
Learning Tips
- Create mental images: inflict = actively forcing harm on someone
- Use with concrete nouns: inflict damage, inflict pain, inflict a punishment
- Practice active voice: subject inflicts, object bears
- Study common phrases: inflict damage on someone; inflict a burden on workers
- Check passive: damage was inflicted; avoid awkward 'was inflicted by' without agent
- Differentiate from afflict: afflict = suffer; inflict = cause
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'inflict'?
A.To impose
B.To prevent
C.To heal
D.To celebrate
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct sentence using 'inflict': He must ___________ punishment on the wrongdoers.
A.ignore
B.support
C.inflict
D.forgive
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'inflict'?
A.Relieve
B.Abolish
C.Enforce
D.Reduce
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'inflict'?
A.Avoid
B.Grant
C.Compel
D.Impose
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would someone 'inflict' harm on another person?
A.Training a pet
B.Cooking a meal
C.Giving a gift
D.Starting a fight
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