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)

Other Word Forms

• offending adjective
• offender noun
• offendable adjective
• overoffend verb (used with object)
• preoffend verb (used with object)
• reoffend verb
• unoffendable adjective
• unoffending 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

In her interview with the BBC, Ms Yahlom defended her actions "as a peaceful form of protest", saying said she had felt "offended, intimidated and threatened" by the presence of the ribbons.

Read more on BBC

Those who know Birmingham will find the observation unsurprising - even the many deeply offended by his choice of words.

Read more on BBC

"I believe people are out there who perhaps have been offended against, who have not come forward because they may be following this case intently, perhaps seeking some closure," said Det Con Annette Renwick.

Read more on BBC

“Speech that offends or criticizes political views is not violence,” Coward said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But I’m offended by those who are offended on hearing these words and start screaming about “inciting violence” and “people will die.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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