Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web

brunt

 - 4 dictionary results

brunt

[bruhnt]
–noun
the main force or impact, as of an attack or blow: His arm took the brunt of the blow.

Origin:
1275–1325; ME; perh. orig. sexual assault; akin to ON brundr, G Brunft heat, ruttish state, OE brunetha heat, itching; c. OHG bronado. See burn 1


thrust, stress, burden.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To brunt
brunt   (brŭnt)   
n.  
  1. The main impact or force, as of an attack.

  2. The main burden: bore the brunt of the household chores.


[Middle English, perhaps of Scandinavian origin.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

brunt 
c.1325, "a sharp blow," perhaps from O.N. brundr "sexual heat," or bruna "to advance like wildfire." Meaning "chief force" is first attested 1573.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Idioms & Phrases

brunt

see bear the brunt.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see brunt on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: