noun

affront

affront, insult, offense

His speech was an affront to the whole community.

His speech was an affront to the whole community.

She took his silence as a personal affront.

She took his silence as a personal affront.

((an affront to sb./sth.)) an insult to (sb./sth.) His speech was an affront to the whole community.

Synonyms: insult, offense, slight, snub; Antonyms: compliment, praise

From Old French 'afronter' meaning 'to strike on the forehead, slap in the face'. 'a-' (to) + 'front' (forehead).

Picture someone getting 'in front' of you to insult you. An 'affront' is a direct, open insult.

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