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WOTD: offend

Posted on March 4, 2021February 18, 2021 by Wordsmyth

transitive verb

1. to anger, annoy, or provoke resentment in.
The speaker’s harsh criticisms offended some members of the audience.
Cruelty to animals offends most people.
The statement was perceived as an ethnic slur, and it offended many.

2. to be disagreeable to (the sense of taste or smell).
The taste of the cheese is quite nice, but I have to admit that the smell offends me.

3. to violate or sin against (a law, religious precept, or the like).
The group claims that the new law would offend the Constitution.

intransitive verb

1. to cause anger, displeasure, or resentment.
If I have offended in any way, I deeply apologize.

2. to violate a human or divine law, rule, or standard of conduct.

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