AFFRONT', verb transitive [Latin frons, front, face.] 1. Literally, to meet or encounter face to face, in a good or bad sense; as, The seditious affronted the king's forces [The foregoing sense is obsolete.] 2. To offer abuse to the face; to insult, dare or brave openly; to offer abuse or insult in any manner, by words or actions; as, to affront one by giving him the lie. 3. To abuse, or give cause of offense to, without being present with the person; to make slightly angry; a popular use of the word. AFFRONT', noun 1. Opposition to the face; open defiance; encounter. obsolete 2. Ill treatment; abuse; any thing reproachful or contemptuous, that excites or justifies resentment, as foul language, or personal abuse. It usually expresses a less degree of abuse than insult 3. Shame; disgrace. [Not used.] 4. In popular language, slight resentment; displeasure.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI