offend

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verb

Definition of OFFEND

1

to commit an offense <since this is the first time you've offended, we'll let you off lightly>

Synonyms err, fall, sin, stray, transgress, trespass, wander

Related Words breach, break, infringe, violate; backslide, lapse; mess up

Phrases break the law, fall from grace

Near Antonyms forgive, justify, pardon; regret, repent, rue

2

to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in <the visitor unintentionally offended his hosts terribly by failing to compliment them on the elaborately prepared meal>

Synonyms affront, dis (also diss) [slang], disrespect, offend, outrage, slap, slight, wound

Related Words cut, snub; displease, distress, disturb, hurt, miff, pain, trouble, upset; jeer, mock, ridicule, sneer (at), taunt; defame, disparage, libel, malign, revile, slander, slur, smear; oppress, persecute, torment, torture

Near Antonyms acclaim, applaud, approve, hail; commend, compliment, eulogize, praise; adulate, flatter, sweet-talk; exalt, glorify, honor; delight, gratify, please, satisfy

3

to fail to keep <keeping company without a chaperone present definitely would have offended the social standards of the day>

Synonyms breach, break, contravene, fracture, infringe, offend, traduce, transgress

Related Words disobey, rebel; blow off, brush (off), disregard, flout, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight, tune out, wink (at); dismiss, pooh-pooh (also pooh), scorn, shrug off; defy, resist, withstand

Near Antonyms defer (to), serve, submit (to), surrender (to), yield (to); attend, hear, heed, listen (to), mark, note, notice, regard, watch

Antonyms comply (with), conform (to), follow, mind, obey, observe