noun
infliction
in-FLIK-shun/ɪnˈflɪkʃn/
The act of causing harm or forcing something unwanted on someone.
Scratching the car is a deliberate infliction of damage.
Etymology
The pieces name an act of striking against someone. That image extends to imposing something painful or harmful, so infliction names the act of causing suffering or administering punishment.
In context
in a trembling and piteous voice I addressed such words to him as induced him to stay the infliction of a punishment so severe.
More examples
- She condemned the needless infliction of pain.
- The complaint concerned the infliction of emotional distress.
- He opposed the infliction of another burden on the family.
Forms
infliction
inflict verb — cause harm or impose a burden
Similar words
- imposition
- Imposition forces a burden on someone; infliction particularly emphasizes causing harm or suffering.
- harm
- Harm is the damage itself; infliction is the act of causing it.