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offend
[ uh-fend ]
/ ÉËfÉnd /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
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.
OTHER WORDS FOR offend
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Origin of offend
First recorded in 1275â1325; Middle English offenden, from Middle French offendre, from Latin offendere âto strike against, displease,â equivalent to of- of- + -fendere âto strikeâ
OTHER WORDS FROM offend
Words nearby offend
off colour, offcut, off-duty, Offenbach, offence, offend, offended, offender, offense, offenseless, offensive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use offend in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for offend
offend
/ (ÉËfÉnd) /
verb
to hurt the feelings, sense of dignity, etc, of (a person)
(tr) to be disagreeable to; disgustthe smell offended him
(intr except in archaic uses) to break (a law or laws in general)
Derived forms of offend
offender, nounoffending, adjectiveWord Origin for offend
C14: via Old French offendre to strike against, from Latin offendere, from ob- against + fendere to strike
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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