offends; offended; offending
1
: to cause (a person or group) to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something said or done
His comments about minority groups offended many of us.
She had carefully worded her comments so as not to offend anyone.
It offends me that you would make such a remark.
Don't worry. I wasn't offended.
I felt a little offended by their lack of respect.
Some people are offended by the song's lyrics.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend.
2
: to be unpleasant to (someone or something)
The billboard offends the eye. [=the billboard is not attractive]
3
formal
: to do wrong : to be against what people believe is acceptable or proper
—often + against
Her actions offended against our sensibilities.
4
formal
: to commit a crime
Is he likely to offend again after his release from prison?
Cite this Entry
“Offend.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/offend. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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