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offend

[əˈfɛnd]

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

Antonyms for offend

Phrases with offend

  • 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.

  • to say or do something that upsets or offends someone

    Example

    His comments gave offense to many people in the audience.

  • 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.

How do native speakers use this expression?