offence

of-fence · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (British spelling) A breach of a law or rule; an illegal act or crime.

  2. 2.

    The act of causing hurt, displeasure, or insult to someone; something that causes such feelings.

  3. 3.

    The state of being offended or upset.

Forms

plural: offences

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    take offence — To feel hurt or upset by something
  • •
    no offence — Used to suggest that what one is about to say is not meant to hurt
  • •
    give offence — To cause someone to feel hurt or insulted
  • •
    criminal offence — An act punishable by law

Related words

Antonyms: compliance, innocence
See also: crime, insult, offend, offense
Synonyms: crime, offense, transgression, wrongdoing

Etymology

From Old French offense, from Latin offensa ("a striking against, displeasure"), from offendere ("to strike against, offend").