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

• offendable adjective
• offender noun
• overoffend verb (used with object)
• preoffend verb (used with object)
• reoffend verb
• unoffendable adjective
• unoffending adjective
• offending 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 June, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that parents have a right to temporarily pull their children out of classes that offend their religious beliefs, empowering them to object to books or lessons at school.

From Los Angeles Times

"The size of the haul is significant and indicates the depth of the alleged offending," John De Candia from South Australia Police said.

From BBC

"When interviewed, you sought to distance yourself from what was done and downplay the significance of your offending," he said.

From BBC

"In the 2000s, I remember people being put off if you told them maybe you should have a glass of water… and they would be really offended."

From BBC

But I understand how the words used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court.

From BBC

Related Words

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