B2verb2K

Offend

UK /["/əˈfend/","/əˈfendz/","/əˈfendɪd/","/əˈfendɪŋ/"]/US /["/əˈfend/","/əˈfendz/","/əˈfendɪd/","/əˈfendɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make somebody feel upset because of something you say or do that is rude or embarrassing

In simple words: to make someone feel hurt or upset

Examples

  • It was not my intention to offend you with my comment.
  • Some jokes can easily offend people from different cultures.
  • He felt embarrassed after realizing he had managed to offend his friend.
  • The decision to cancel the event could offend many of its supporters.
  • In some cases, what might amuse one person could offend another.

Usage notes

Use 'offend' in situations where someone's feelings may be hurt by words or actions. It's not polite to offend others, especially in formal contexts like work or public speeches.

Grammar pattern

offend + object

Memory hint

Think of 'offend' as 'off-end' – when you say something rude, you push the relationship to the 'off' end.

Collocations

  • deeply
  • gravely
  • greatly
  • be likely to
  • be anxious not to
  • be careful not to
  • against
  • feel, look, sound, etc. offended
  • deeply
  • gravely
  • greatly
  • be likely to
  • be anxious not to
  • be careful not to
  • against
  • feel, look, sound, etc. offended
  • deeply
  • gravely
  • greatly
  • be likely to
  • be anxious not to
  • be careful not to
  • against
  • feel, look, sound, etc. offended

Synonyms

  • upset
  • hurt
  • displease
  • irritate
  • insult

Antonyms

  • please
  • comfort
  • delight

Common mistakes

  • Using 'offend' without an object, e.g., 'This comment offends.' should be 'This comment offends me.'
  • Confusing with 'defend', which means to protect.
  • Misusing as a noun, e.g., 'offendness' is incorrect.