Offend Definition & Meaning

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    • Synonyms offend American [uh-fend] / əˈfɛnd /

    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 British / 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)

    "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

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

    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” ( bane ( def. ) )

    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.

    Vinted's tips for reselling presents without offending the person who bought them include using a username that is not easily identifiable and keeping the background of photos neutral.

    From BBC

    "He was always worried he had offended you, or done something wrong."

    From BBC

    He explains that white is "not about inspiration but being careful not to offend", with Cloud Dancer embodying "austerity, moral minimalism and the idea that neutrality signifies virtue".

    From BBC

    A request by the French government for Shein to be forced to suspend the sale of third-party items on its website - the source of the initial offending items - was also rejected.

    From BBC

    However Judge Smyth said, "viewed holistically", the offending went beyond that.

    From BBC

    Related Words

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

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

    Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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