offend
uh-FEHND
Offend (verb) means to hurt someone's feelings or upset them, often unintentionally. Example: “His blunt comment offended several people at the table.”
verb
1
To hurt someone's feelings or upset them, often unintentionally.
"His blunt comment offended several people at the table."
"She didn't mean to offend anyone with her joke."
"I hope my honest feedback does not offend you, because I only want to help."
2
To break a law or moral rule.
"The company's practices clearly offended against basic safety standards."
"Anyone who offends against the rules of the club may lose their membership."
"Drivers who repeatedly offend by ignoring the speed limit can lose their licence."
How to use offend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo upset or insult someone, or to break a rule or law.
Common pairings
offend someone
easily offended
offend against
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- offends
- Past tense
- offended
Fill the gap
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His blunt comment _____ several people at the table.
Etymology
From Latin offendere, "to strike against", from ob- ("against") plus fendere ("to strike").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “offend” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “offend”?
“Offend” is pronounced uh-FEHND (/əˈfɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “offend” in a sentence?
Here is “offend” used in a sentence: “His blunt comment offended several people at the table.”
What is another word for “offend”?
Words with a similar meaning to “offend” include abuse, affront, burn, carry, cut down and disrespect.
What is the opposite of “offend”?
The opposite of “offend” — its antonyms — are commend, compliment, flatter, laud and praise.
What part of speech is “offend”?
“Offend” is a verb.
Where does the word “offend” come from?
The word “offend” comes from Latin. From Latin offendere, "to strike against", from ob- ("against") plus fendere ("to strike").
Is “offend” a common word?
“Offend” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between offend and insult?
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.
Can you offend someone without meaning to?
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.
What does it mean to offend against a law?
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.
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