inflict death

USAGE SUMMARY

"inflict death" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an instance of causing someone to die, such as "They were found guilty of inflicting death upon their victim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Or then again, it could be a subtle attempt to inflict death by debating.

The New York Times

They were encamped on the perimeter of the Liverpool area and determined to inflict death by high-density passing.

Independent

Since landmark elections this year, the attacks have continued to inflict death and injury on Iraqis and Americans alike.

The New York Times

And, of course, opponents are trying to inflict death on the bill by a thousand amendments.But the real question is not who will win in the Senate.

The Economist

It was always the same story: Mr. Abaaoud had told his young disciples to "do whatever they can" to inflict death and damage at home.

The New York Times

On the field Real found to their cost that fire-fighting on every blade of grass was an invitation to the enemy to inflict death by triangular passing.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Terrorists aim not just at inflicting death and devastation.

The New York Times

The charge is second-degree murder, inflicting death with spite, hatred or ill will.

The New York Times

The world community must figure out a way to contain Mr. Hussein without inflicting death and misery on the Iraqi people.

The New York Times

Twice the strong man in fourball partnership with Woosnam, he was then drawn against Corey Pavin, the American who inflicts death by a thousand putts.

The Guardian - Sport

Chapter 1 reviews the place of martyrdom in Jewish tradition and in crusader Europe generally; it seeks to portray the Jews' perplexing zeal for inflicting death on themselves against a more informed background.

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inflict death" when you want to emphasize the act of causing death, especially when it involves deliberate action or force. For instance, "The invaders sought to inflict death and destruction upon the city."

Common error

Avoid using "inflict death" in contexts where the death is accidental or unintentional. Instead, opt for phrases like "cause death" or "result in death", which carry a less deliberate or forceful connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inflict death" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of causing someone or something to die. Ludwig provides various examples where this phrase is used to describe deliberate or forceful actions that lead to mortality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inflict death" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, particularly in news and media, academia, and scientific contexts. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes the action of causing death, often with an emphasis on intent or force. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the connotation when using this phrase, opting for less forceful alternatives like "cause death" in situations where the death is unintentional. Remember to focus on context and use cases provided by Ludwig to ensure accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cause fatality

Focuses on the result (fatality) rather than the act of inflicting.

Perpetrate killing

Focuses on the act of killing, often in a criminal context.

Bring about demise

Emphasizes the end or termination of life.

Engender fatality

Similar to 'cause fatality' but implies a more indirect or consequential cause.

Administer lethal blow

Highlights a single, decisive action leading to death.

Deal a fatal wound

Highlights the instrument or method by which death is caused.

Impose fatality

Emphasizes the authoritative or forceful nature of causing death.

Effectuate mortality

A more formal and less direct way of saying cause death.

Carry out execution

Specifically relates to a planned and deliberate killing.

Visit with death

An old and less common usage that speaks to the action of meeting the consequence of death.

FAQs

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

You can use "inflict death" to describe a deliberate act of causing someone to die. For example, "The attacker was charged with intending to inflict death."

What's a less forceful way to say "inflict death"?

If you want to express the idea of causing death without emphasizing the deliberateness, consider using phrases such as "cause death" or "result in death".

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

"Inflict death" typically implies a deliberate and forceful action, whereas "cause death" can be used in both intentional and unintentional contexts.

What are some synonyms for "inflict death" that maintain a formal tone?

Alternatives with a formal tone include "effectuate mortality", "impose fatality", or "bring about demise".