to inflict
verbformal/ĩfliˈʒiɾ/low
in·fli·gir
Definition
To cause something unpleasant or painful to be suffered by someone or something.
The judge inflicted the maximum sentence on the criminal.
The hurricane inflicted catastrophic damage on the coastal towns.
Common collocations
to inflict a defeatto inflict punishmentto inflict painto inflict damage
Etymology
Do latim 'infligere' (bater contra, causar).