offend
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈfɛnd/
KK: /əˈfɛnd/
intransitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel upset or hurt by something said or done.
Example
His rude comments may offend some people.
Tense Forms
Past: offended
Past Participle: offended
Conversation
I hope I didn't offend you with my joke earlier.
Not at all! I thought it was pretty funny, actually.
Good! I really didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable.
I appreciate that. It's always tricky with humor.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
displease
irritate
anger
Antonyms
please
delight
satisfy
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone feel upset, angry, or hurt by something you say or do.
Example
I didn't mean to offend you with my comments.
Tense Forms
Past: offended
Past Participle: offended
Conversation
I was worried that my joke might offend someone at the party.
Yeah, humor can be tricky sometimes.
Exactly! I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
Root Explanation
Offend → It is formed from "offendere" (meaning to strike against) which comes from "ob-" (meaning against) and "fendere" (meaning to strike). The word "offend" originally described the act of striking against someone or something, leading to a sense of causing hurt or displeasure.
Memory Tip
Think of 'striking against' ('ob-' means against and 'fendere' means to strike') to remember that to offend means to cause hurt or displeasure.
Visually Confused Words
reoffend
preoffend
fend