\In*flict"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Inflicted}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Inflicting}.] [L. inflictus, p. p. of infligere to
strike on, to inflict; pref. in- in, on + fligere to strike.
Cf. {Flail}.]
To give, cause, or produce by striking, or as if by striking;
to apply forcibly; to lay or impose; to send; to cause to
bear, feel, or suffer; as, to inflict blows; to inflict a
wound with a dagger; to inflict severe pain by ingratitude;
to inflict punishment on an offender; to inflict the penalty
of death on a criminal.
      What heart could wish, what hand inflict, this dire
      disgrace?                                --Drygen.
      The persecution and the pain That man inflicts on
      infero-ior kinds.                        --Cowper.