Definition of "inflict" []

• To deal or mete out (something punishing or burdensome); impose: inflicted heavy losses on the enemy; a storm that inflicted widespread damage. (verb-transitive)
• To afflict. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The justification that journalists can offer for the harm they inevitably inflict is to show, through their actions, their understanding that what they do matters and that it should be done with care."
• "People need to realize that there are some critics out there who are willing in inflict real-world harm on anyone suspected of being part of ˜The Wedge. '"
• "There was always the risk that displaying these pictures might again inflict pain and fear on some viewers."