These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting.
Recent Examples on the WebNow, some are voicing fears that Russians may inflict retribution on the troops. Celina Tebor, USA TODAY, 20 May 2022 Analysts say that the rift with many of the world’s largest trading partners and technological powerhouses will inflict deep and lasting damage on the Russian economy.New York Times, 19 May 2022 But a lot of Ukrainians are also confident that both regular and irregular defenders could inflict some punishment of their own.Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2022 Intestinal parasites, transmitted through water and food, can inflict damage ranging from stunted growth to starvation and death. Sasha Warren, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2022 As happened with Katrina, this vicious combination of forces, all hitting medical practice at once, will inflict massive damage. Robert Pearl, Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022 Whatever their shortcomings, surface-to-air missile systems, including the low altitude Tor, medium altitude Buk, and long range Triumf systems, can inflict serious losses. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 11 Aug. 2022 Our defenders inflict very noticeable strikes on depots and other spots that are important for the logistics of the occupiers.Bloomberg.com, 7 July 2022 Species of catfish can inflict severe wounds with their pectoral and dorsal stings. Joe Mario Pedersen, Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- + fligere to strike — more at profligate