Affront

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈfɹʌnt/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒnt

Origin

From Middle English afrounten, from Old French afronter ("to defy"), from Vulgar Latin *affrontare ("to hit in the face"), from Latin ad ("to") + frons ("forehead").

Full definition of affront

Verb

1. To insult intentionally, especially openly.
• AddisonHow can anyone imagine that the fathers would have dared to affront the wife of Aurelius?
2. To meet defiantly; to confront.to affront death
• 1978, Lawrence Durrell, Livia, Faber & Faber 1992 (Avignon Quintet), p. 436:Avignon was beginning to settle down for the night – that long painful stretch of time which must somehow be affronted.
3. (obsolete) To meet or encounter face to face.
• HollandAll the sea-coasts do affront the Levant.
• ShakespeareThat he, as 'twere by accident, may here
  Affront Ophelia.

Synonyms

Noun

1. An open or intentional offense, slight, or insult.Such behavior is an affront to society.
2. (obsolete) A hostile encounter or meeting.

Synonyms