offend

/ə'fend/

Friendly

Explanation of the Word "Offend"

Definition: The verb "offend" means to hurt someone’s feelings or to make someone feel upset or angry. It can also mean to break a rule or law.

Academic

Verb

1. hurt the feelings of
   • She hurt me when she did not include me among her guests
   • This remark really bruised my ego
2. strike with disgust or revulsion
   • The scandalous behavior of this married woman shocked her friends
3. act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
   • offend all laws of humanity
   • violate the basic laws or human civilization
   • break a law
   • break a promise
4. cause to feel resentment or indignation
   • Her tactless remark offended me

Synonyms

• hurt
• wound
• injure
• bruise
• spite
• shock
• scandalize
• scandalise
• appal
• appall
• outrage
• transgress
• infract
• violate
• go against
• breach
• break
• pique