1. to cause someone to experience something unpleasant or painful
Usage: transitive verb; often followed by ‘on’ or ‘upon’

Examples

• The storm inflicted severe damage on the coastal towns.
• She didn’t want to inflict her problems on her friends.
• The accident inflicted serious injuries on three passengers.
• The new policy will inflict hardship on many families.
• He inflicted a crushing defeat on his opponent.
• The disease inflicts terrible pain on its victims.
• Don’t inflict your bad mood on everyone else.