af·front (
-fr
nt
)
tr.v. af·front·ed, af·front·ing, af·fronts
1. To insult intentionally, especially openly. See Synonyms at offend.
2.
a. To meet defiantly; confront.
b. Obsolete To meet or encounter face to face.
n.
1. An open or intentional offense, slight, or insult: Such behavior is an affront to society.
2. Obsolete A hostile encounter or meeting.
[Middle English afrounten, from Old French afronter : Latin ad-, ad- + Latin fr
ns, front-, face; see front.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
