offend
UK[əˈfɛnd]US[əˈfɛnd]
v
to cause someone to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful by acting in a rude or insensitive way.
v
to commit an illegal act; to break a law.
Morpheme Breakdown
of
fend
of
against, toward, in the way of
fend
to strike, hit, or ward off
Etymology
the word 'offend' entered english in the late 14th century via old french 'offendre', which itself descended from latin 'offendere', meaning 'to strike against, displease, or make a mistake'. the latin term is a compound of the prefix 'ob-' (meaning 'against') and the verb 'fendere' (meaning 'to strike'). the literal, physical sense of 'striking against' something evolved metaphorically to signify causing displeasure or hurt feelings, as if striking against someone's sensibilities. this semantic shift from a physical clash to a social or emotional violation is central to its modern meanings, which encompass both causing resentment and violating a law or rule.
Analysis
Structure: of + fend
- of: from latin prefix 'ob-', meaning 'against, toward, in the way of'. in english, it often appears as 'of-' or 'oc-' before certain consonants.
- fend: from latin verb 'fendere', a variant of 'defendere' meaning 'to strike, hit, or ward off'. in this context, it carries the sense of 'to strike'.
Examples
i hope my comments did not offend you.
he was careful not to offend local customs during his travels.
to possess such a weapon may offend against the law.