# affront

/əˈfɹənt/ (US) · /ɐfɹˈʌnt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/affront
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The rude comment was a great affront to her family.
- The ambassador viewed the refusal to meet as a deliberate affront to his country's diplomatic standing.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.