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Definition of affreux

affreux

/æˈfrɜː/
af · freux
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affreux Lexical Profile

• adjective

1

Frightful, horrible, or ghastly in appearance, nature, or character.

Example

"The art critic mercilessly dismissed the controversial new sculpture as an affreux monstrosity that ruined the elegant aesthetic of the plaza."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for affreux
Antonyms
View all antonyms for affreux

Word Nuance & Usage

As a direct borrowing from French, 'affreux' is highly rare in English and is typically used for literary effect or to impart a distinctly Francophone flavor when describing something dreadful or hideous.

• Rhymes for affreux

• Nearby Words

aeonium
aesculapian snake
affogato
affreux
afghanistan
african daisy
african elephant

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French 'affreux' (frightful, horrible), derived from Old French 'afre' (terror, horror), which is ultimately of Germanic origin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Affreux. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/affreux
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