Affront

Affront is a noun and a verb used to describe an action or remark that openly insults or shows disrespect, often in a way that wounds dignity or pride. As a noun, it refers to a deliberate slight or affront to someone’s status, beliefs, or sensibilities. As a verb, to affront someone means to insult or to offend them in a direct, sometimes public, manner. The phrase “to take affront” denotes feeling offended or indignant in response to the act.

Etymology and history: The term derives from Old French and Middle French forms such as afont or affront, related to facing or confronting someone. In English usage, it has long carried a formal or literary tone and is more likely to describe conspicuous, intentional disrespect rather than everyday rudeness.

Usage and nuances: Affront is commonly used in formal or evaluative contexts, including diplomacy, etiquette, and criticism. It often implies not only offense but a breach of social or moral expectations. Phrases like “an affront to modesty,” “an affront to the dignity of the office,” or “to take affront” are typical. While similar to insult or slight, affront frequently emphasizes the public, intentional, or escalatory nature of the disrespect.

Related terms: Insult, slight, disrespect, indignity, provocation. Distinctions can be subtle: an insult is a broad term for offensive speech or action; an affront stresses deliberate affront to dignity and public-facing disrespect.

See also: Offense; Disrespect; Insult; Indignity.