offend

American  

[uh-fend] / əˈfɛnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to irritate, annoy, or anger; cause resentful displeasure in.

   Even the hint of prejudice offends me.

   Synonyms:

   insult, affront, nettle, chafe, provoke

   Antonyms:

   please

2. to affect (the sense, taste, etc.) disagreeably.

3. to violate or transgress (a criminal, religious, or moral law).

4. to hurt or cause pain to.

5. (in Biblical use) to cause to fall into sinful ways.

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verb (used without object)

1. to cause resentful displeasure; irritate, annoy, or anger.

   a remark so thoughtless it can only offend.

2. to err in conduct; commit a sin, crime, or fault.

   Synonyms:

   trespass, transgress

offend British  

/ əˈfɛnd /

verb

1. to hurt the feelings, sense of dignity, etc, of (a person)

2. (tr) to be disagreeable to; disgust

   the smell offended him

3. (intr except in archaic uses) to break (a law or laws in general)

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Other Word Forms

• offendable adjective
• offender noun
• offending adjective
• overoffend verb (used with object)
• preoffend verb (used with object)
• reoffend verb
• unoffendable adjective
• unoffending adjective

Etymology

Origin of offend

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English offenden, from Middle French offendre, from Latin offendere “to strike against, displease,” from of- of- + -fendere “to strike” ( see also bane ( def. ))

Explanation

If you hurt someone's feelings, you offend that person. You might accidentally offend your friend when you joke about the worst restaurant in town, not realizing it's her favorite place to eat. If you do something that makes another person resent you, you offend them. Your friends might not mind because you're so humble, but it could offend other classmates when the teachers always pick you for awards and honors. You also offend when you cause disgust or distaste. After your week of camping — and not showering — your smell will probably offend the nose of anyone who has to sit near you.

Example Sentences

"I didn't mean to offend anyone," he said, seeming shy and uncomfortable with the media attention the project has generated.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

He doesn’t mean to offend, though other people’s feelings are a luxury he has never been able to afford.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

It’s not that Shriver is trying to offend people or be contrarian.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

Both students’ behavior seemed intended to disrupt and offend Kirk’s followers.

From Slate • Sep. 17, 2025

“I did not mean to offend you, Ophelia,” he said, taking my hand instead.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Related Words

• aggrieve
• anger
• annoy
• antagonize
• disgust
• disturb
• exasperate
• gall
• horrify
• hurt
• irritate
• outrage
• provoke
• rile
• shock
• sicken
• sting
• upset