inflict(动词):把(不愉快的事、伤害、惩罚等)强加于;使遭受。常见搭配:inflict damage/pain/suffering/punishment on/upon sb/sth。另有较少见用法指“把某事硬塞给别人(尤指令人不快的东西)”。
/ɪnˈflɪkt/
The storm inflicted serious damage on the coastal town.
暴风雨给这座沿海城镇造成了严重破坏。
By ignoring the warning signs, the company inflicted long-term harm on its reputation and employees’ trust.
由于无视警示信号,这家公司给自身声誉和员工信任带来了长期伤害。
源自拉丁语 infligere,由 **in-**(“向内、加上”)+ fligere(“打击、撞击”)构成,原意带有“击打上去、施加打击”的感觉,后来引申为“施加痛苦、惩罚或损害”。