brunt
What does "brunt" mean?
The word "brunt" refers to the primary impact, the worst part, or the main force of something unpleasant, such as an attack, a shock, or a heavy workload. Imagine a shield taking the direct hit of a heavy blow; the "brunt" is the concentrated energy of that impact that the shield—or person—must absorb. It is almost exclusively used in the collocation "bear the brunt of." It implies that the subject is positioned in the most vulnerable spot, whether by circumstance, responsibility, or bad luck. It carries a sense of heaviness or being overwhelmed by a specific burden.
"brunt" in conversation
Discussing office workload
Are we really going to finish this project by Friday?
Are we really going to finish this project by Friday?
I doubt it. Since the team lead is out, I'm going to bear the brunt of the overtime work.
I doubt it. Since the team lead is out, I'm going to bear the brunt of the overtime work.
Used here to describe taking on the heaviest portion of a difficult task.
After a storm
The coastal towns bore the brunt of the hurricane last night.
The coastal towns bore the brunt of the hurricane last night.
Everything is completely destroyed. We had no time to prepare.
Everything is completely destroyed. We had no time to prepare.
Used here to describe physical impact from a natural disaster.
"brunt" in a sentence
The youngest child often bears the brunt of their parents' bad moods.
The youngest child often bears the brunt of their parents' bad moods.
Small businesses bore the brunt of the economic recession last year.
Small businesses bore the brunt of the economic recession last year.
She stepped forward to bear the brunt of the criticism so that her teammates wouldn't have to face it.
She stepped forward to bear the brunt of the criticism so that her teammates wouldn't have to face it.
