Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Inflict \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.