brazen

UK: ˈbreɪz(ə)n | US: ˈbreɪz(ə)n

Definition

  1. adj. 1. bold and without shame (e.g., a brazen lie).

  2. adj. 2. made of or resembling brass (archaic/literary).

  3. vt. 1. to face a situation defiantly (e.g., "he brazened out the scandal").

Structure
braz <yellow metal, brass>en <made of, adjective suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Old English bræsen ("of brass"), combining bræs (brass, a yellow alloy) + the suffix -en (indicating material composition). The modern sense of "shameless boldness" (16th c.) metaphorically extends from brass's association with loudness and durability—akin to "brass neck."

Examples

  1. Her brazen attitude shocked the conservative audience.

  2. The thief made a brazen attempt to steal in broad daylight.

  3. The statue had a brazen sheen under the sunlight.

  4. He brazened through the accusations without flinching.

  5. Legends spoke of brazen gates guarding the ancient temple.