offend
to irritate, annoy, or anger; cause resentful displeasure in: Even the hint of prejudice offends me.
to affect (the sense, taste, etc.) disagreeably.
to violate or transgress (a criminal, religious, or moral law).
to hurt or cause pain to.
(in Biblical use) to cause to fall into sinful ways.
to cause resentful displeasure; irritate, annoy, or anger: a remark so thoughtless it can only offend.
to err in conduct; commit a sin, crime, or fault.
Origin of offend
1Other words for offend
Opposites for offend
Other words from offend
- of·fend·a·ble, adjective
- of·fend·er, noun
- o·ver·of·fend, verb (used with object)
- pre·of·fend, verb (used with object)
- re·of·fend, verb
- un·of·fend·a·ble, adjective
- un·of·fend·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use offend in a sentence
During their visit to the U.S., the researchers found no evidence that drug courts reduced reoffending rates.
This compares very favorably to the 68 percent reoffending rate of American male prisoners.
British Dictionary definitions for offend
/ (əˈfɛnd) /
to hurt the feelings, sense of dignity, etc, of (a person)
(tr) to be disagreeable to; disgust: the smell offended him
(intr except in archaic uses) to break (a law or laws in general)
Origin of offend
1Derived forms of offend
- offender, noun
- offending, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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