1. Home
2. Idioms
3. take offense

take offense

---

---

take offense (at someone or something)

to be insulted by someone or something. Bill took offense at Mary for her thoughtless remarks. Almost everyone took offense at Bill's new book. I'm sorry you took offense. I meant no harm.

See also: offense, take

take offense

Feel resentment or emotional pain, as in I didn't realize he'd take offense when he wasn't invited. [Mid-1800s]

See also: offense, take