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Added 3 October 2026

brunt

/bɹʌnt/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about brunt at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The full adverse effects; the chief consequences or negative results of a thing or event.
Unfortunately, poor areas such as those in New Orleans bore the brunt of Hurricane Katrina’s winds.
The force or shock of an attack in war.
The major part of something; the bulk.
If you feel tired of walking, just think of the poor donkey who has carried the brunt of our load.

verb

To bear the brunt of; to weather or withstand.
To make a violent attack or charge.

Origin

From Middle English brunt, bront (“sudden onset, attack, charge, blow”), from Old Norse brundr or brundtíð (“oestrus, rut”) (from Proto-Germanic *brunstiz), or bruna (“to rush”, literally “to advance like wildfire”) (see brenna).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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