English Reference
Noun

affront

n.
C1 Advanced US /əˈfɹənt/ UK /ɐfɹˈʌnt/ af·front UK spelling affronts

n.a serious insult or a great offense that makes someone feel very angry or embarrassed. It is a strong word for something that shows a lack of respect.

n.a serious insult or a grave offense that causes deep offense or indignation. Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a perceived violation of dignity.


SIMPLE

The rude comment was a great affront to her family.

CONTEXTUAL

The ambassador viewed the refusal to meet as a deliberate affront to his country's diplomatic standing.

COMPLEX

The poet's work was seen as a profound affront to the establishment, challenging the very social hierarchies that had defined the era for centuries.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific said the Saraji approval was the 37th fossil fuel project approved by the Albanese government, and was a “double talk” and an “affront” to Pacific leaders and communities.

The Guardian· 3 Sept 2026

González’s personal life aside, any international player joining the SWPL is seen as an affront by LGBTQ+ soccer fans, who are fundamental to the sport around the world.

The Guardian· 28 Aug 2026

From Middle English afrounten, from Old French afronter (“to hit in the face; to defy”), from Vulgar Latin *affrontare (“to hit in the face”), from Latin ad (“to”) + frōns (“forehead”) (English front).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin ad
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated