Reinfliction

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A process involving the act of applying a particular influence or effect again after it has previously been established
2. A repeated application of a specific condition or force that leads to similar outcomes
3. The practice of imposing the same circumstances or pressures once more in order to elicit similar results

Etymology: "Reinfliction" is a plain compound: the prefix "re-", meaning "again," joined to "infliction," the act of imposing something painful or unwelcome on someone. "Infliction" itself comes from the verb "inflict," which traces back through Middle English and Old French to the Latin "infligere," literally "to strike against" or "to dash upon," from "in-" ("on") and "fligere" ("to strike"). The original sense was violent, a blow or a wound, and the word kept that heavy tone in "the infliction of punishment" and "the infliction of pain." Put "re-" in front and the result is a term for applying such an effect a second time, usually after the original one has already taken hold. Because the parts are transparent, the word needs no special coinage story; its meaning follows directly from its pieces.

Synonyms: reimposition, reapplication

Antonyms: relief, removal