offend

verb of·fend \ə-ˈfend\

: to cause (a person or group) to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something said or done

: to be unpleasant to (someone or something)

: to do wrong : to be against what people believe is acceptable or proper

Full Definition of OFFEND

intransitive verb

a : to transgress the moral or divine law : sin <if it be a sin to covet honor, I am the most offending soul alive — Shakespeare>

b : to violate a law or rule : do wrong <offend against the law>

a : to cause difficulty, discomfort, or injury <took off his shoe and removed the offending pebble>

b : to cause dislike, anger, or vexation <thoughtless words that offend needlessly>

transitive verb

a : violate, transgress

b : to cause pain to : hurt

obsolete : to cause to sin or fall

: to cause to feel vexation or resentment usually by violation of what is proper or fitting <was offended by their language>

— of·fend·er noun

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Origin of OFFEND

Middle English, from Anglo-French offendre, from Latin offendere to strike against, offend, from ob- against + -fendere to strike — more at ob-, defend

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to OFFEND

Synonyms: err, fall, sin, stray, transgress, trespass, wander, break the law, fall from grace

Antonyms: comply (with), conform (to), follow, mind, obey, observe

Synonym Discussion of OFFEND

offend, outrage, affront, insult mean to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment. offend need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting <hoped that my remarks had not offended her>. outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings <outraged by their accusations>. affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy <deeply affronted by his callousness>. insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame <insulted every guest at the party>.