/brunt/ , n.
the main force or impact, as of an attack or blow: His arm took the brunt of the blow.
[ 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 ]
Syn . thrust, stress, burden.