Offend - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To offend means to cause someone to feel upset, hurt, or annoyed, often by saying or doing something disrespectful or insensitive. It can also mean to break a rule or law.
Definition:
To cause upset, anger, or resentment by an action or remark.
Synonyms:
insult, upset, affront, displease
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
please, compliment
Common Collocations:
deeply offend, easily offended, offend someone’s feelings
Derivatives:
offender, offensive, offensively
Usage Tips:
Use "offend" when describing actions or words that hurt someone’s feelings or violate norms.
Common Phrases:
no offense meant, take offense, easily offended
Etymology:
From Latin "offendere," meaning "to strike against" or "displease."
Examples:
- 1. Her joke didn’t offend anyone at the party.
- 2. He didn’t mean to offend you with his comment.
- 3. Some people are easily offended by strong opinions.
- 4. The article might offend religious groups if published.