inflict abuse

USAGE SUMMARY

"inflict abuse" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone inflicting physical, mental, or emotional harm on another person. For example, "The abuser inflicted physical abuse on the victim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The SERE program was designed strictly for defense against torture regimes, but the C.I.A.'s new team used its expertise to help interrogators inflict abuse.

The New Yorker

The findings of these two experiments should be part of the basic training for soldiers, police officers, jailers and anyone else whose position gives them the power to inflict abuse on others.

The New York Times

The referendum has given licence to racist and xenophobic individuals to inflict abuse on good law-abiding residents of this country, and the current government is doing and saying nothing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Many foster families refuse to take a gay child, while others inflict abuses like those that prompted the runaways to leave home in the first place.

The New York Times - Arts

But, the Kentucky Supreme Court recounted, he "did not inflict any abuse on his own children and was described by all as a loving father".

The New York Times

The criminal case is now in the hands of prosecutors, who must decide whether Crespo was a murder victim or an assailant killed while inflicting abuse.

Los Angeles Times

Of course, I am not referring here to abhorrent behaviors or inflicting abuse on a child supposedly for their own good.

Huffington Post

"I never inflicted any abuse on her," he said.

The New York Times

But she manages a stunningly effective performance as a woman who inflicts unthinkable abuse on her own daughter.

Independent

This is presumably because it was legal and the parents, to their discredit, condoned it, but it is horrific that there were no restraints at the time on those inflicting the abuse.

The Guardian

LOS ANGELES — A former elementary school teacher who taught in a South Los Angeles school for 30 years was arrested Monday on charges of inflicting bizarre abuse rituals on at least 23 young girls and boys, including blindfolding them, binding their mouths with masking tape, and placing cockroaches on their faces and mouths before photographing them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inflict abuse", ensure that the context clearly identifies both the perpetrator and the victim, making the direction of the action explicit. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures the actor inflicting the abuse. For instance, instead of "Abuse was inflicted", specify who inflicted the abuse to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inflict abuse" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, describing the action of causing harm or mistreatment. It clearly indicates the active role of the perpetrator in causing abuse, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inflict abuse" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, primarily used to describe the act of causing harm or mistreatment. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for describing situations where someone inflicts physical, mental, or emotional harm on another person. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific reporting. When writing, ensuring clarity by specifying who inflicts the abuse enhances the impact of your message. Alternative phrases, such as "commit mistreatment" or "perpetrate violence", can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The examples extracted by Ludwig underscore that the phrase carries strong negative connotations, often associated with legal and ethical violations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit mistreatment

This alternative focuses more on the act of mistreating someone, often implying a sustained or repeated pattern of negative behavior.

engage in mistreatment

This refers to habitual mistreatment, emphasizing prolonged or systemic abuse.

perpetrate violence

This option underscores the use of force or aggression, often in a physical context.

carry out ill-treatment

This phrase stresses the execution or implementation of abusive practices.

cause suffering

This highlights the result of the action, emphasizing the pain and distress experienced by the victim.

deal suffering

This emphasizes the action of distributing or delivering suffering to someone.

subject to maltreatment

This focuses on the act of subjecting someone to harsh or unkind treatment, often in a caregiving or custodial setting.

impose hardship

This emphasizes the infliction of difficulties and burdens on someone.

visit cruelty upon

This implies a deliberate act of cruelty, often with a sense of calculated harm.

exact cruelty

This suggests a calculated and intentional imposition of cruelty.

FAQs

How can I use "inflict abuse" in a sentence?

You can use "inflict abuse" to describe the act of causing harm or mistreatment to someone. For example, "The dictator was known to inflict abuse on political prisoners".

What are some synonyms for "inflict abuse"?

Alternatives to "inflict abuse" include "commit mistreatment", "perpetrate violence", or "cause suffering". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "inflict abuse" or "suffer abuse"?

The choice between "inflict abuse" and "suffer abuse" depends on whether you want to focus on the perpetrator or the victim. "Inflict abuse" describes the action of the abuser, while "suffer abuse" describes the experience of the victim.

What's the difference between "inflict abuse" and "cause abuse"?

"Inflict abuse" implies a direct and intentional action, while "cause abuse" can suggest a more indirect or unintentional consequence. "Inflict" emphasizes the active role of the abuser.