offend Definition
- 1cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful
- 2commit an illegal act
- 3cause 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
Phrases with offend
Example
She took offense at his criticism and refused to speak to him.
Example
His comments gave offense to many people in the audience.
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'
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.