Incur: Definition, Usage & Real-Life Examples

Meaning 1：bring upon oneself (incur)

incur 🔊

/ɪnˈkɜːr/

vt.

To cause yourself to get something bad, like a debt or anger, because of something you did.

Person incurring a high bill, illustrating the meaning of incur as bringing a cost upon oneself

bring upon oneself 🔊

➕

/brɪŋ əˈpɒn wʌnˈsɛlf/

vt.

To cause oneself to experience something undesirable, typically as a result of one's own actions.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'incurrere' (to run into), from in- (into) + currere (to run).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: IN CURrent trouble, you RUN into negative consequences.

📖 Example

If you don't follow the rules, you may incur a fine from the local government. 🔊 Failure to comply with regulations could lead to a fine from authorities.

🔗 Collocations

incur debt – to accumulate financial obligations

incur costs – to become subject to expenses

incur wrath – to provoke anger or displeasure

🔄 Synonyms

sustain (vt.) – to undergo or experience something, especially something unpleasant

provoke (vt.) – to cause a particular reaction or feeling

bring about (phr. v.) – to cause something to happen

🚫 Antonyms

avoid (vt.) – to keep away from or prevent something

evade (vt.) – to escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery

🌱 Derivatives

incurrence (n.) – the act of incurring something

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'incurrere', entering English in the 15th century to mean bringing something upon oneself. It is frequently used in legal and financial contexts, such as incurring debts or penalties.