offend

[ uh-fend ]
/ əˈfɛnd /

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

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

1275–1325; Middle English offenden < Middle French offendre < Latin offendere to strike against, displease, equivalent to of- of- + -fendere to strike

OTHER WORDS FROM offend

Example sentences from the Web for offended

British Dictionary definitions for offended

offend
/ (əˈfɛnd) /

verb

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)

Derived forms of offend

offender, noun offending, adjective

Word Origin for offend

C14: via Old French offendre to strike against, from Latin offendere, from ob- against + fendere to strike