offend
offend Lexical Profile
offend Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To cause someone to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful, typically by an insensitive or disrespectful remark or action.
"She was careful to phrase her critique politely so she would not offend her colleagues."
To be displeasing or disagreeable to the senses, taste, or moral sensibility.
"The harsh fluorescent lighting and loud music seemed to offend his sense of tranquility."
To commit an illegal act or violate a law, rule, or moral code.
"Rehabilitation programs are designed to help former inmates integrate into society and not offend again."
• Rhymes for offend
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English offenden, borrowed from Old French ofendre and directly from Latin offendere, meaning 'to strike against' or 'stumble,' formed from the prefix ob- ('against') and the root *fendere ('to strike').