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REFERENCE

incur

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˌɪnˈkɝ// UK //ɪnkˈɜː// in·cur Archaic

v. to experience something unpleasant, like a cost, a debt, or someone's anger, because of your own actions. You usually use this when talking about money or rules.

v. to become subject to something unwelcome or unpleasant as a result of one's own behaviour or circumstances. Frequently used in financial, legal, or formal contexts to describe the accrual of liabilities or penalties.


SIMPLE

You will incur a small fee if you pay your bill late.

CONTEXTUAL

The company had to incur significant legal expenses to defend its patents in court.

COMPLEX

By failing to comply with the new environmental regulations, the factory owners risk incurring heavy fines and the public's disapproval.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English incurren, from Anglo-Norman encurir, Middle French encourir, from Old French encorre, from Latin incurrere.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a noun representing a negative consequence like 'debt', 'wrath', or 'expense'.

Pitfall

he incurred to a large debthe incurred a large debtIncur is a transitive verb and should not be followed by the preposition 'to'.

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