offendersi

Offendersi is an Italian reflexive verb that means “to offend oneself” or “to feel insulted.” The infinitive is formed from the verb offendere, the Latin cognate of “offend,” with the reflexive pronoun -si added to indicate that the subject is both the agent and the recipient of the offense. In everyday speech offendersi is used to express emotional reactions to slights, remarks, or behaviors that are perceived as disrespectful or humiliating. For example, “Mi sono offendersi quando ha detto quella frase” translates to “I felt offended when she said that sentence.” The verb is typically conjugated in the same pattern as other reflexive verbs, patterning with personal pronouns, and it appears in both formal and informal contexts.

Although offendersi is derived specifically for self‑offending feelings, its conceptual counterpart in English would be “to feel offended.” The reflexive form underscores the internal perception of affront rather than an external accusation. The word is not used to describe the legal status of a criminal offender, for which the terms “perpetratore” or “autore” are applied. In contexts of social interaction, offendersi can be a useful tool for mediating communication and expressing personal boundaries.