To offend against a law, rule, or principle means to break it. This bill offends against good sense and against justice In showing contempt for the heavyweight championship Douglas offended a stern code
If you offend someone, you say or do something rude which upsets or embarrasses them. He apologizes for his comments and says he had no intention of offending the community The survey found almost 90 percent of people were offended by strong swearwords Television censors are cutting out scenes which they claim may offend. + offended of·fend·ed She is terribly offended, angered and hurt by this