offend
to irritate, annoy, or anger; cause resentful displeasure in: Even the hint of prejudice offends me.
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.
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.
Origin of offend
1Other words for offend
Opposites for offend
Other words from offend
- 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
Words Nearby offend
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use offend in a sentence
It isn’t fair to ask groups offended by these symbols to wait even longer for change.
‘End racism,’ the NFL implored. So what about that Chiefs’ name? | Liz Clarke | February 5, 2021 | Washington PostI would like to take back what I said, and apologize to those who were offended by my remarks.
Tokyo Olympics chief says women talk too much at meetings, calls it ‘annoying’ | Matt Bonesteel | February 4, 2021 | Washington PostThat 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.
At New York City’s biggest power plant, a switch to clean energy will help a neighborhood breathe easier | Andrew Blum | February 2, 2021 | Popular-ScienceI 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.
After Capitol attack, social studies and civics teachers struggle with real-time history lessons | Joe Heim, Valerie Strauss | January 19, 2021 | 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.
Trina Braxton To David Adefeso: ‘When You Attack One, You Attack Us All’ | Hope Wright | September 17, 2020 | Essence.com
And could the word "Russkiy," or 'Russian', offend ethnically non-Russian citizens around the country?
Rebranding The Land of Mongol Warriors & Ivan The Terrible | Anna Nemtsova | December 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWorried this might turn people off from his performance, Khan said he didn't intend to offend anyone.
Defying Stereotypes, Young Muslim Writers Find Community Onstage | Julianne Chiaet | October 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBut Alex Rubin cannot afford to offend any of the media willing to cover safely dead dissidents.
From Moscow to Queens, Down Sergei Dovlatov Way | Daniel Genis | September 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSome steps would offend some Republicans, such as restarting a modern version of the Depression era Works Progress Administration.
Class Issues, Not Race, Will Likely Seal the Next Election | Joel Kotkin | September 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST“This show is not an exercise to offend people,” McGruder countered.
‘Black Jesus’ Resurrected: Racial Stereotypes or Subversive Comedy? | Rawiya Kameir | August 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTYou need not fear to offend by refusing to take wine with a gentleman, even your host.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness | Florence HartleyFrancoeur was afraid of nothing, but he was old; his heart like his head was polished by age, and he disliked to offend people.
Honey-Bee | Anatole FranceSome offend because they crave popularity or want to do what their friends are doing.
Report of the Special Committee on Moral Delinquency in Children and Adolescents | Oswald Chettle Mazengarb et al.Ruth was neither impudent nor hardened; she was ignorant enough, and might offend from knowing no better.
Ruth | Elizabeth Cleghorn GaskellHe therefore belaboured him till his sullen obstinacy gave way to a roar for mercy, and promises never so to offend again.
Eric, or Little by Little | Frederic W. Farrar
British Dictionary definitions for offend
/ (əˈfɛnd) /
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)
Origin of offend
1Derived forms of offend
- offender, noun
- offending, adjective
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
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