Incur
/ɪnˈkɜːr/
Definitions
To become subject to something unpleasant or undesirable as a result of one's actions or the occurrence of an event.
/ɪnˈkɜːr/
To become subject to (something unwelcome) as a result of one's own actions.
She incurred the wrath of her boss by arriving late to the meeting.
💡 Simply: Imagine you accidentally break a vase. You have to pay for it, right? Incur means you cause something bad to happen to you, like owing money or getting into trouble because of your actions.
👶 For kids: To get something bad, like a boo-boo, because of something you did.
More Examples
The company incurred significant losses due to the economic downturn.
By ignoring the warnings, they incurred a higher risk of failure.
How It's Used
"Companies incur expenses to generate revenue."
"The defendant incurred legal costs as a result of the lawsuit."
From Latin *incurrere* 'to run into', from *in-* 'into' + *currere* 'to run'.
Used since the 16th century, with similar meaning to its Latin root.
Memory tip
Think of 'in-cur' (incurring) a bill you have to pay because of something you did.