Offend
əˈfend
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause someone to feel upset, insulted, or annoyed.
əˈfend
To cause someone to feel hurt, upset, or angry.
His comments about her outfit offended her.
💡 Simply: Imagine you accidentally step on someone's foot or say something that makes them sad or angry. That's when you offend them!
👶 For kids: To make someone feel bad or angry by something you say or do.
More Examples
I didn't mean to offend you.
The strong smell of the cheese offended my senses.
How It's Used
"His insensitive remarks offended many people at the party."
"The judge ruled that the advertisement was offensive."
To commit a crime; to violate a rule or law.
əˈfend
To commit a crime or break a law.
The company was found to have offended against environmental regulations.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone breaking the rules of a game or committing a crime. That's another way to use 'offend.'
👶 For kids: To do something wrong, like break a rule.
More Examples
He offended by speeding.
He was accused of offending by violating the rules of conduct.
How It's Used
"He was charged with offending against the law."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
no offense
A phrase used to preface a statement that might be considered offensive or rude. It serves as a disclaimer to avoid causing upset.
"No offense, but I think your idea is terrible."
From Middle English offenden, from Old French ofendre, from Latin offendere ('to strike against, stumble, offend'), from ob- ('against') + *fendere ('to strike').
The word 'offend' has been used since the 13th century, originally meaning 'to attack or assault'. Its meaning evolved over time to include causing emotional hurt or displeasure.
Memory tip
Imagine you're trying to give someone a gift, but it accidentally hurts their feelings. You have offended them.
Word Origin
"to strike against, stumble"