NYT Dictionary

OFFEND

/əˈfɛnd/
Verbof-FENDof-fend · 2 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

To hurt the feelings of; to displease; to make angry; to insult.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From Middle French offendre, from Latin offendō (“strike, blunder, commit an offense”), from ob- (“against”) + *fendō (“strike”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

abuseaffrontburncarrycut downdisrespectdisdissgive stickheckle

Antonyms

commendcomplimentflatterlaudpraisereveretalk upkeep

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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