Offend Means to Strike Against
To offend is to cause hurt feelings, or to break a law. The Latin root means to strike, which both senses preserve.
To offend is to cause hurt or resentment, or to commit a crime. The Latin *offendere* means to strike against, from *fendere*, to strike — the same root as *defend*, to strike away, and *fence*, which is defence shortened. An offence is literally a blow, whether against feelings or against the law.
- To cause hurt feelings. *I did not mean to offend.*
- To break a law. *He offended again.*
- Offence — a crime, or hurt feelings. *A minor offence.*
- Offensive — causing offence, or attacking. *An offensive remark.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | offend | Offend the guests. |
| Noun | offence | A serious offence. |
| American | offense | A criminal offense. |
| Person | offender | A repeat offender. |
| Adjective | offensive | An offensive smell. |
How it is used in a sentence
- No offence intended.A softening formula.
- Defend means to strike away.The same root.
- Fence is defence, shortened.At the front.
Words from *fendere*, to strike
- Offend — to strike against
- Defend — to strike away
- Fence — a shortening of defence
- Fender — a shortening of defender
- Offensive and defensive — attacking and protecting
From Latin *offendere*, to strike against, from *ob* and *fendere*, to strike.
Offence or offense?
Offence is British, offense American. Both cover a crime and hurt feelings.
Are fence and defence the same word?
Yes. Fence is defence with the first syllable lost, which is why a fence defends a boundary.