Inflict – Explanation, Example Sentences and Conjugation

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The verb “inflict” refers to the action of causing someone to experience something unpleasant or harmful. It is often used in contexts where pain, suffering, or punishment is imposed upon a person or group. The term conveys a sense of deliberate imposition, where the subject of the verb is actively causing the negative experience to occur to the object. As a transitive verb, “inflict” requires both a subject who administers the action and an object that receives or endures the effect. This verb is commonly utilized in legal, medical, and colloquial language to describe the act of imposing detrimental conditions or consequences on others.

Example sentences

The tornado managed to inflict severe damage on the small village.

He didn’t mean to inflict pain with his harsh words.

The harsh economic sanctions are likely to inflict suffering on the population.

During the battle, each side tried to inflict maximum damage on the other.

The judge decided to inflict a heavy fine as a penalty for the crime.

Her sharp criticism seemed intended to inflict emotional distress.

The invasive species has managed to inflict harm on the native ecosystems.

Wearing the wrong type of shoes can inflict pain on your feet and back.

The new policy might inflict more harm than good if not carefully implemented.

He felt guilty for his actions that managed to inflict turmoil within his family.

Conjugation

Present Simple

I inflict pain unintentionally.

You inflict consequences on others.

He inflicts damage with his words.

She inflicts her opinions forcefully.

It inflicts stress on the structure.

We inflict our rules on the team.

They inflict harm on the environment.

Past Simple

I inflicted severe consequences yesterday.

You inflicted a lot of stress last week.

He inflicted a deep cut a few days ago.

She inflicted emotional pain last month.

It inflicted damage during the storm.

We inflicted our policies last year.

They inflicted irreversible harm in the past.

Future Simple

I will inflict pain if necessary.

You will inflict changes tomorrow.

He will inflict punishment if provoked.

She will inflict her ideas in the meeting.

It will inflict wear over time.

We will inflict new guidelines next month.

They will inflict a new tax next year.

Present Perfect

I have inflicted enough trouble already.

You have inflicted enough challenges for today.

He has inflicted sufficient damage for now.

She has inflicted her viewpoint successfully.

It has inflicted enough stress on the system.

We have inflicted our standards on the process.

They have inflicted serious repercussions recently.

Past Perfect

I had inflicted too much by then.

You had inflicted considerable difficulty before the decision.

He had inflicted enough pain before stopping.

She had inflicted her rules before the change.

It had inflicted severe damage before the repair.

We had inflicted our methods by the time the audit occurred.

They had inflicted irreversible changes before the law was passed.

Future Perfect

I will have inflicted enough by next year.

You will have inflicted substantial changes by tomorrow.

He will have inflicted necessary adjustments by then.

She will have inflicted her perspective by the end of the debate.

It will have inflicted the expected wear by the deadline.

We will have inflicted our new policy by next month.

They will have inflicted the regulations by the time the season ends.

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