taking offense
Bristling at remarks
Taking offense is reacting with hurt, anger, or indignation to something said or done.
The phrase implies the reaction may be a choice rather than an inevitable response: I didn't mean anything by it, but she took offense.
Someone who is quick to take offense is easily wounded or angered by perceived slights.
- indignationAnger from mistreatment
- disrespectLack of regard
- misunderstandingFailure to grasp meaning
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- bruised egoHurt self-regard
hurt feelings · bristling · anger · flying off the handle · bitterness · retaliation · frustration · outrage · insensitivity · sore spot · shame · affront · hurt · umbrage · humiliation · sulking · disappointment · cold shoulder
- sensitivitysensitivity, sensitive, hypersensitivity, oversensitivity, hypersensitive
taking offenseletting it go
taking it in stride · rolling with the punches · water off a duck's back · forgiving · keeping one's cool
taking offensethick-skinned
Resistant to criticism
unflappable · easygoing · forbearing · tolerant · magnanimous
taking offensemaking peace
Ending hostilities between parties
de-escalating · keeping the peace · reconciling · overlooking · dismissing
take, taken, takes, taker, taking, uptake, intake, overtake, undertake