the.com/brunt

means The main shock or worst impact of something harmful, as in bearing the brunt of criticism or a storm.

from Of uncertain origin — it surfaces in Middle English meaning a sharp blow or assault, possibly related to Old Norse words tied to burning or heat, but no confirmed cognate has been pinned down. Etymologists mostly shrug and call it 'origin obscure,' which is itself fitting for a word about taking an unexpected hit.