offend

[ uh-fend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to irritate, annoy, or anger; cause resentful displeasure in:

   Even the hint of prejudice offends me.

   Synonyms: insult, affront, nettle, chafe, provoke

   Antonyms: please

2. to affect (the sense, taste, etc.) disagreeably.
3. to violate or transgress (a criminal, religious, or moral law).
4. to hurt or cause pain to.
5. (in Biblical use) to cause to fall into sinful ways.

verb (used without object)

1. to cause resentful displeasure; irritate, annoy, or anger:

   a remark so thoughtless it can only offend.

2. to err in conduct; commit a sin, crime, or fault.

   Synonyms: trespass, transgress

offend

/ əˈfɛnd /

verb

1. to hurt the feelings, sense of dignity, etc, of (a person)
2. tr to be disagreeable to; disgust

   the smell offended him

3. intr except in archaic uses to break (a law or laws in general)

Derived Forms

• ofˈfending, adjective
• ofˈfender, noun

Other Words From

• of·fend·a·ble adjective
• of·fend·er noun
• o·ver·of·fend verb (used with object)
• pre·of·fend verb (used with object)
• re·of·fend verb
• un·of·fend·a·ble adjective
• un·of·fend·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of offend¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English offenden, from Middle French offendre, from Latin offendere “to strike against, displease,” from of- of- + -fendere “to strike” ( bane ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of offend¹

C14: via Old French offendre to strike against, from Latin offendere, from ob- against + fendere to strike

Example Sentences

It isn’t fair to ask groups offended by these symbols to wait even longer for change.

From Washington Post

I would like to take back what I said, and apologize to those who were offended by my remarks.

From Washington Post

That begins with its worst-offending units, the gas-fired plants known as “peakers,” turned on only to give the electric grid a boost on hot, or “peak,” days.

From Popular-Science

I feel like we’re in a climate where you don’t want to say things to offend people since we’ve not seen anything like this in our lifetime.

From Washington Post

“I thought it was a lot and I thought it was unnecessary, but I think it’s important that I keep my opinions to myself because it’s not going to be pleasant,” she said, indicating that she was personally offended by Adefeso’s actions.

From Essence.com

And could the word "Russkiy," or 'Russian', offend ethnically non-Russian citizens around the country?

From The Daily Beast

Worried this might turn people off from his performance, Khan said he didn't intend  to offend anyone.

From The Daily Beast

But Alex Rubin cannot afford to offend any of the media willing to cover safely dead dissidents.

From The Daily Beast

Some steps would offend some Republicans, such as restarting a modern version of the Depression era Works Progress Administration.

From The Daily Beast

“This show is not an exercise to offend people,” McGruder countered.

From The Daily Beast

You need not fear to offend by refusing to take wine with a gentleman, even your host.

From Project Gutenberg

Francoeur was afraid of nothing, but he was old; his heart like his head was polished by age, and he disliked to offend people.

From Project Gutenberg

Some offend because they crave popularity or want to do what their friends are doing.

From Project Gutenberg

Ruth was neither impudent nor hardened; she was ignorant enough, and might offend from knowing no better.

From Project Gutenberg

He therefore belaboured him till his sullen obstinacy gave way to a roar for mercy, and promises never so to offend again.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aggrieve
• anger
• annoy
• antagonize
• disgust
• disturb
• exasperate
• gall
• horrify
• hurt
• irritate
• outrage
• provoke
• rile
• shock
• sicken
• sting
• upset