Synonyms

offend

American

[uh-fend] / əˈfɛnd /

verb (used with object)

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

Even the hint of prejudice offends me.

Synonyms:

insult, affront, nettle, chafe, provoke

Antonyms:

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

verb (used without object)

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

a remark so thoughtless it can only offend.
to err in conduct; commit a sin, crime, or fault.

Synonyms:

trespass, transgress

offend British

/ əˈfɛnd /

verb

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

the smell offended him
(intr except in archaic uses) to break (a law or laws in general)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of offend

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” ( see also bane ( def. ))

Explanation

If you hurt someone's feelings, you offend that person. You might accidentally offend your friend when you joke about the worst restaurant in town, not realizing it's her favorite place to eat. If you do something that makes another person resent you, you offend them. Your friends might not mind because you're so humble, but it could offend other classmates when the teachers always pick you for awards and honors. You also offend when you cause disgust or distaste. After your week of camping — and not showering — your smell will probably offend the nose of anyone who has to sit near you.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In its statement, Moygashel Bonfire Association said the display might "shock, offend or outrage", but said those involved in making it were exercising their right to freedom of expression.

From BBC • Jul. 9, 2026

It’s usually a warning sign when a religious declaration fails to offend elite opinion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

“Least as in least likely to offend the president with the rerun of ‘Comics Unleashed’ from 2007 featuring Paula Poundstone and Andy Dick.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Yet the majority treats Louisiana’s mapmaking choices that offend Section 2 as if they arrived unmarked by history.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

It began with a concealed uneasiness and a desire to offend each other in small details, but it grew until it filled the house.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023