| inflict | To give, cause, or produce by striking, or as if by striking; to apply forcibly; to lay or impose; to send; to cause to bear, feel, or suffer; as, to inflict blows; to inflict a wound with a dagger; to inflict severe pain by ingratitude; to inflict punishment on an offender; to inflict the penalty of death on a criminal. "What heart could wish, what hand inflict, this dire disgrace?" (Drygen) "The persecution and the pain That man inflicts on infero-ior kinds." (Cowper) Origin: L. Inflictus, p.p. Of infligere to strike on, to inflict; pref. In- in, on + fligere to strike. Cf. Flail. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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