offend

The word “offend” means to hurt someone's feelings or upset them, often unintentionally. In plain terms, to upset or insult someone, or to break a rule or law.

“Offend” is pronounced uh-FEHND (/əˈfɛnd/ in IPA).

Here is “offend” used in a sentence: “His blunt comment offended several people at the table.”

Words with a similar meaning to “offend” include abuse, affront, burn, carry, cut down and disrespect.

The opposite of “offend” — its antonyms — are commend, compliment, flatter, laud and praise.

“Offend” is a verb.

The word “offend” comes from Latin. From Latin offendere, "to strike against", from ob- ("against") plus fendere ("to strike").

“Offend” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Offend means to hurt someone's feelings or upset them, and this can happen unintentionally, while insult usually implies a more deliberate act meant to demean or disrespect someone. You can offend someone by accident, but insulting someone typically involves clear intent.

Yes, offend often describes hurting someone's feelings or upsetting them unintentionally, such as through a careless remark or cultural misunderstanding. This is part of what distinguishes it from more deliberately harsh words like insult.

To offend can also mean to break a law or moral rule, as in 'the act offends against basic principles of fairness.' This legal or moral sense is distinct from the everyday meaning of hurting someone's feelings.