take offense


Feel resentment or emotional pain, as in I didn't realize he'd take offense when he wasn't invited. [Mid-1800s]

Words Nearby take offense

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use take offense in a sentence

  • He described the men at the Lion d'Or as truculent, easily ready to take offense, difficult to persuade.

    The Light That Lures | Percy Brebner
  • He was a surly old ruffian, quick to take offense, and absolutely fearless.

    The Pirate of Panama | William MacLeod Raine
  • As a true gentleman, conscious of his strength and his dignity, it should be slow to take offense.

  • I think she will take offense, do what we may in relation to this territory.

    Thomas Hart Benton | Theodore Roosevelt
  • Rynason met his gaze directly, daring the man to take offense.

    Warlord of Kor | Terry Gene Carr