take offense
idiom
: to become angry or upset by something that another person has said or done : to be offended by something
He took offense when I suggested exchanging the gift.
—often + atShe takes offense at any criticism.
Examples of take offense in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Young people today seemed determined to take offense.
—
Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024
Online commentators and Reddit dwellers were quick to take offense, not only for suggesting the fan letter shortcut but also for encouraging lazy parenting.
—Megan Morrone, Axios, 31 July 2024
Tip Above all else, grandparents should aim to be patient with new parents and avoid being quick to take offense.
—Susan Adcox, Parents, 31 July 2024
But scores of less-flattering reviews followed — including CNN’s own caustic take — with many critics seeming to take offense at the satirical handling of a story about conversion practices.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for take offense 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024
Online commentators and Reddit dwellers were quick to take offense, not only for suggesting the fan letter shortcut but also for encouraging lazy parenting.
—Megan Morrone, Axios, 31 July 2024
Tip Above all else, grandparents should aim to be patient with new parents and avoid being quick to take offense.
—Susan Adcox, Parents, 31 July 2024
But scores of less-flattering reviews followed — including CNN’s own caustic take — with many critics seeming to take offense at the satirical handling of a story about conversion practices.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for take offense
Dictionary Entries Near take offense
Cite this Entry
“Take offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20offense. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share