# brunt

/ˈbɹənt/ (US) · /bɹˈʌnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brunt
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. the shock of an attack

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

the main force of an enemy's attack in a battle.

For teachers: the main force or shock of a military attack or charge.

- The infantry units took the brunt of the enemy's first assault.
- The forward battalion was positioned to absorb the brunt of the initial charge, allowing the cavalry to prepare a counter-attack from the flank.

Teaching tip: This sense is less common in modern speech and is usually found in historical or military literature.

## Examples

- The coastal towns bore the brunt of the storm.
- Small businesses often bear the brunt of economic downturns because they have fewer cash reserves than large corporations.
- While the entire department was criticized for the failure, the project manager had to bear the brunt of the board's anger during the annual review.

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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.