offend
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Related to offends: flouting
offend (one) with (something)
To instill or instigate offense, anger, or displeasure in one by some words or actions. I think you may have offended our clients with your off-color remarks. Please don't offend my grandparents with any rude behavior, OK?
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offend against
1. To affront, betray, or violate the principles or laws of someone or something. Anyone who offends against the moral codes of our town will face strict, merciless punishment. Pardon me, madam. I did not mean to offend against you or your fair virtues. Police have been given the authority to arrest anyone offending against this law without a warrant or a trial.
2. To commit a sexual crime against someone. The team doctor had systematically offended against young gymnasts for nearly 20 years before he was finally arrested.
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Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
offend against someone or something
to anger or affront someone or something. We do not wish to offend against anyone. He didn't realize that he offended against their cultural values.
See also: offend
offend someone with something
to anger or affront someone with something. Don't offend us with your bad jokes. I offended Ralph with my constant niggling.
See also: offend
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.