DictionaryAI

offend

verb
USuh-FEND/əˈfɛnd/

Formsoffends, offending, offended

7 meanings of offend

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To hurt someone's feelings or make them angry.

    Like poking someone in a sore spot with your words.

    His rude joke offended several people at the party.

    Try not to offend your guests with personal questions.

    Similarupset, insult, hurt, displease

    Oppositeplease, delight

    Note
  2. 2
    verbintransitive
    To feel hurt or upset by what someone says or does.

    Like someone who gets upset very fast, even over little things.

    He offends easily and gets upset over small things.

    Some people offend quickly when others disagree with them.

    Note
  3. 3
    verbtransitive
    To annoy someone or make them uncomfortable.

    Like a bad smell that bothers you and makes you want to leave.

    The loud music offended everyone in the quiet library.

    Strong perfume can offend people with sensitive noses.

    Similarbother, disgust, affront

    Oppositeplease

  4. 4
    verbtransitive
    To break or go against a law or moral rule.

    Like breaking a rule that everyone has agreed to follow.

    His actions offended the basic rules of fair play.

    Bad behavior can offend common standards of decency.

    Similarviolate, breach, contravene

    Oppositerespect, uphold

    Note
  5. 5
    verbintransitive
    To sin or do something morally wrong.

    Like breaking a promise you made to something you believe in.

    He feared he had offended and prayed for forgiveness.

    Those who offend must try to make things right.

    Similarsin, transgress, err

  6. 6
    verbtransitive
    To physically hurt or cause pain to someone.

    The harsh light offended his tired eyes.

    Sharp gravel can offend bare feet on a long walk.

    Similarhurt, harm

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 7
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To cause someone to stumble or fall into sin.
    "If thine eye offend thee, pluck it out."
    1611, The Holy Bible, King James VersionHere, offend means to cause you to sin.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin "offendo," meaning "to strike" or "commit an offense," which came into English through Middle French.