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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