Synonyms for
Offend
Definition
to cause displeasure, anger, or resentment in someone
Synonyms & similar words
break
bruise
scandalize
infract
breach
keep
injure
goagainst
spite
wound
scandalise
appal
transgress
pique
appall
shock
violate
outrage
hurt
upset
hurt
displease
annoy
irritate
bother
disturb
provoke
outrage
insult
disrespect
injure
affront
disgruntle
ruffle
unsettle
aggravate
antagonize
enrage
exasperate
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- offend someone
- offend deeply
- offend sensibilities
- offend the eye
- offend against
- offend a person
- offend the public
Word family
Usage note
To 'offend' means to cause someone to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something rude or insulting. It is generally more formal than 'annoy' or 'irritate'.
Example sentences
- He didn't mean to offend her with his joke.
- The smell of fish offends some people.
- It's not my intention to offend anyone with my opinion.
- His behavior was so rude that it offended everyone around him.
- The comedian's jokes offended some members of the audience.
Quotes
I'm sorry if I offended you when I called you stupid. I thought you already knew.
It is impossible for a man to be made happy by putting him in a position of dependence on someone else.
I have offended God and mankind because my work didn't reach the quality it should have.