offend

verbdisplease, insult

Synonyms for offend

MOST RELEVANT

Antonyms for offend

Word Origin & History

early 14c., "to sin against (someone)," from Old French ofendre "transgress, antagonize," and directly from Latin offendere "to hit, strike against," figuratively "to stumble, commit a fault, displease, trespass against, provoke," from ob "against" (see ob-) + -fendere "to strike" (found only in compounds; see defend).

Meaning "to violate (a law), to make a moral false step, to commit a crime" is from late 14c. Meaning "to wound the feelings" is from late 14c. The literal sense of "to attack, assail" is attested from late 14c.; this has been lost in Modern English, but is preserved in offense and offensive. Related: Offended; offending.

Example Sentences foroffend

He did not offend very often, but one never knew when he might not.

"You do not offend, but you misunderstand me," said Belinda.

Better not offend a fairy, even though no higher than a thimble!

I have been requested to take a holiday, and, rather than offend the powers that be, have given in.

But I will not offend fastidious ears with any syllable of my rougher tongue.

He that can oblige, may disoblige—Happy for some people not to have it in their power to offend!

And so, they dared not offend the Arrillians by questioning the veracity of their statements.

He forgets, though, how dangerous it is to offend an Italian woman.

And yet you will be obliged to offend him, by having me, eigh?

In the meantime take care that you do not offend against the Gods.

offend

abused

abusing

affront

affronted

affronting

offend

More words related to offend

abuse

abused

abusing

affront

affronted

affronting