tr.v., -front·ed, -front·ing, -fronts.
- To insult intentionally, especially openly. See synonyms at offend.
- To meet defiantly; confront.
- Obsolete. To meet or encounter face to face.
- An open or intentional offense, slight, or insult: Such behavior is an affront to society.
- Obsolete. A hostile encounter or meeting.
[Middle English afrounten, from Old French afronter : Latin ad-, ad- + Latin frōns, front-, face; see front.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
