1
: the principal force, shock, or stress (as of an attack)
bear the brunt of the storm
the brunt of the struggle with the German army fell upon the RussiansWalter Lippmann
2
: the greater part : burden

Examples of brunt in a Sentence

the brunt of the responsibility fell on her shoulders
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The victims bearing the brunt are hungry children in conflict zones like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 This emerging global trade war has raised concerns that consumers will bear the brunt, potentially leading to higher prices on everyday goods. Chandelis Duster, NPR, 6 Mar. 2025 In places like Altadena, the brunt was endured by low-income households, many inhabited by renters rather than owners—not the sort of folk who could pay for ample insurance coverage, let alone for private detectives. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 When fathers opt out, mothers often bear the brunt, reinforcing traditional roles. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brunt

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brunt was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brunt. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

brunt

noun
: the main force or stress (as of an attack)
the brunt of the storm
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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