The verb inflict comes from the Latin word inflictus, meaning “to strike or dash against.” If you cause anything bad to happen to a person, animal, or even an object, you inflict that badness on them. For example, someone can inflict injuries or suffering on other people or inflict damage on property.

What does inflicted mean?

transitive verb. 1a : to give by or as if by striking inflict a painful sting inflict damage. b : to cause (something unpleasant) to be endured … inflict my annual message upon the church itself if it might derive benefit thereby.—

What's the difference between afflicted and inflicted?

The difference between the two is whether the emphasis is on the one suffering or the one causing the suffering. Afflict emphasizes who is doing the suffering. Inflict emphasizes the person or thing causing the suffering. Try this: I am afflicted with something terrible, so I inflict injuries upon others.