inflicts

VERB

impose something

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exact expose levy wreak

STRONG

administer apply command deliver dispense extort force give require strike subject visit

WEAK

bring upon deal out force upon give it to lay down the law mete out stick it to

Antonyms

STRONG

hold keep take withhold

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There's also the very visible, and seemingly intractable, problem of homelessness, which inflicts misery on the thousands who suffer it and scars the streets of great cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

"Please can we not be a church that inflicts such pain, and that I believe is the fundamental choice at the base of this bill," he added.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The pain that Beckett inflicts on both women registers silently on his handsome craggy face.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2024

Such policies hold intuitive appeal: Buyers are still free to purchase a big SUV and truck, but they must pay extra to account for the costs their purchase inflicts on everyone else.

From Slate • Dec. 17, 2023

Is humanity worth the pain it inflicts upon itself?

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell