affront

[ uh-fruhnt ]

noun

1. a personally offensive act or word; deliberate act or display of disrespect; intentional slight; insult:

   an affront to the king.

   Synonyms: outrage, abuse, indignity, scorn, contumely, impertinence

2. an offense to one's dignity or self-respect.

verb (used with object)

1. to offend by an open manifestation of disrespect or insolence:

   His speech affronted all of us.

   Synonyms: abuse, slight, insult

2. to make ashamed or confused; embarrass.
3. Archaic. to front; face; look on.
4. Obsolete. to meet or encounter face to face; confront.

affront

/ əˈfrʌnt /

noun

1. a deliberate insult

verb

1. to insult, esp openly
2. to offend the pride or dignity of
3. obsolete.
   to confront defiantly

Other Words From

• af·fronted·ly adverb
• af·fronted·ness noun
• af·fronter noun
• af·fronting·ly adverb
• reaf·front noun verb (used with object)
• unaf·fronted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of affront¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English afrounten, from Middle French af(f)ronter “to strike in the face,” from unattested Vulgar Latin affrontāre, derivative of Latin phrase ad frontem “at or toward the forehead” (as the seat of one's feelings or dignity). See ad-, front

Word History and Origins

Origin of affront¹

C14: from Old French afronter to strike in the face, from Vulgar Latin affrontāre (unattested), from the Latin phrase ad frontem to the face

Synonym Study

See insult.

Example Sentences

Critics see the deal as an affront to South Africa's long-standing relationship with Russia - though the country has remained neutral on the conflict in Ukraine.

From BBC

It can represent an affront to a supposed American meritocracy, while also being a reminder of a poorly done or cumbersome mandatory workplace training.

From Salon

He argues that current laws are unconstitutional, an affront to women’s bodily autonomy, and disproportionately affect the poor.

From BBC

Travelers’ affronts in Europe’s tourist zones are sometimes glaringly apparent: pounding music from late-night parties, or puddles of vomit on doorsteps in quiet residential streets.

From Los Angeles Times

Some see them as an affront to Islam and to Somali culture.

From BBC