affront
uh-FRUNT
/əˈfrʌnt/
An action or remark that causes outrage or offense; to insult someone openly.
An affront is usually a public and intentional insult to one's dignity or values.
The story behind the word. The word 'affront' literally means 'to the face.' It comes from the Old French 'afronter,' which meant to slap someone in the face or to defy them openly. It suggests an insult so bold it is delivered right to your forehead.
Word relationships
- insult: Insult is more general; affront implies a public or bold challenge to dignity.
- offense: Offense is the feeling of being hurt; affront is the act that causes it.
- compliment: A compliment is an expression of praise, the opposite of an insult.
- tribute: A tribute is an act of respect or honor.
Commonly confused with
- confront: To confront is to face someone directly; to affront is to insult them.
Word family
- affronted (adjective): feeling insulted or offended
Collocations
- personal affront
- direct affront
- affront to one's dignity
Example sentences
- "The ambassador took the refusal to be seated as a personal affront to his sovereign." A historical account of diplomatic tension.
- ""This is an affront to the very principles of justice!" cried the defense attorney." A classic literary description of an insult.
Memory hook
If someone hits you in the FRONT (forehead), it is an a-FFRONT. Right to the face.
When not to use
Do not use for accidental or subtle snubs; use 'slight' for those.
Fun facts
- In the Middle Ages, an affront often led to a formal duel.
Related words
Explore more words
outrage, taunt, confrontation, scandalous, indignant, obloquy
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