Antonyms for offend

Grammar : Verb

Spell : uh-fend

Phonetic Transcription : əˈfɛnd

Definition of offend

Origin : early 14c., "to sin against (someone)," from Old French ofendre "transgress, antagonize," and directly from Latin offendere "to hit, strike against," figuratively "to stumble, commit a fault, displease, trespass against, provoke," from ob "against" (see ob-) + -fendere "to strike" (found only in compounds; see defend).
Meaning "to violate (a law), to make a moral false step, to commit a crime" is from late 14c. Meaning "to wound the feelings" is from late 14c. The literal sense of "to attack, assail" is attested from late 14c.; this has been lost in Modern English, but is preserved in offense and offensive. Related: Offended; offending.

verb displease, insult

Example sentences :

He did not offend very often, but one never knew when he might not.
Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald

"You do not offend, but you misunderstand me," said Belinda.
Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth

Better not offend a fairy, even though no higher than a thimble!
Extract from : « Welsh Fairy Tales » by William Elliott Griffis

I have been requested to take a holiday, and, rather than offend the powers that be, have given in.
Extract from : « The Slave Of The Lamp » by Henry Seton Merriman

But I will not offend fastidious ears with any syllable of my rougher tongue.
Extract from : « Ranald Bannerman's Boyhood » by George MacDonald

He that can oblige, may disoblige—Happy for some people not to have it in their power to offend!
Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

And so, they dared not offend the Arrillians by questioning the veracity of their statements.
Extract from : « Grove of the Unborn » by Lyn Venable

He forgets, though, how dangerous it is to offend an Italian woman.
Extract from : « The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 2, May, 1851 » by Various

And yet you will be obliged to offend him, by having me, eigh?
Extract from : « The Politician Out-Witted » by Samuel Low

In the meantime take care that you do not offend against the Gods.
Extract from : « Laws » by Plato

Synonyms for offend

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019