offend

[əˈfɛnd]

offend Definition

• 1. cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful
• 2. commit an illegal act
• 3. cause to sin

Using offend: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "offend" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I didn't mean to offend you with my comment.

• Example

  His behavior offends me.

• Example

  It offends the law to drive without a license.

• Example

  Eating meat on Fridays offends some religious beliefs.

• Example

  He was offended by her lack of respect for his culture.

offend Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for offend

• annoy
• irritate
• provoke
• displease
• upset

Antonyms for offend

• please
• delight
• appease

Phrases with offend

• take offense

  to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something that someone has said or done

  Example

  She took offense at his criticism and refused to speak to him.

• give offense

  to say or do something that upsets or offends someone

  Example

  His comments gave offense to many people in the audience.

• deeply offend

  to cause extreme displeasure or anger

  Example

  The company's decision to lay off workers deeply offended the employees.

Origins of offend

from Old French 'offendre', from Latin 'offendere', meaning 'strike against'

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Summary: offend in Brief

To 'offend' [əˈfɛnd] is to cause someone to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful. It can also mean to commit an illegal act or cause someone to sin. Examples include 'I didn't mean to offend you with my comment,' and 'It offends the law to drive without a license.' Phrases like 'take offense' and 'give offense' describe the act of being offended or causing offense.