affront

UK: əˈfrʌnt | US: əˈfrʌnt

Definition

  1. n. an action or remark that causes outrage or offense

  2. vt. to offend or insult openly

Structure
af <to, toward (variant of "ad-") + front<face, forehead>
Etymology

The word "affront" originates from Old French "afronter," meaning "to slap in the face" or "to confront." It combines the Latin prefix "ad-" (meaning "to") and "frons" (meaning "forehead" or "face"). The imagery of facing someone directly—often aggressively—evolved into the modern sense of an open insult or offense.

Examples

  1. His rude comment was seen as a direct affront to the entire team.

  2. She felt affronted by his lack of respect during the meeting.

  3. The decision to cancel the event was an affront to the organizers' hard work.

  4. Politicians often avoid actions that could affront public opinion.

  5. His refusal to apologize only deepened the affront.