inflict

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈflɪkt/

verb

[with object]
  • cause (something unpleasant or painful) to be suffered by someone or something: they inflicted serious injuries on three other men
  • (inflict something on) impose something unwelcome on: she is wrong to inflict her beliefs on everyone else

Derivatives

inflicter

(also inflictor) noun

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'afflict, trouble'): from Latin inflict- 'struck against', from the verb infligere, from in- 'into' + fligere 'to strike'