offense

of-fense · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (American 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.

  3. 3.

    (American football, basketball, etc.) The attacking team or the act of attacking in sports.

  4. 4.

    Annoyance or resentment felt due to an insult or perceived wrong.

Forms

plural: offenses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    take offense — To feel hurt or upset
  • •
    no offense — Used to soften a potentially insulting statement
  • •
    on offense — Attacking or in an attacking position (sports)
  • •
    criminal offense — An act punishable by law

Related words

Antonyms: compliance, defense
See also: defense, offence, offend, offensive
Synonyms: crime, offence, transgression, wrongdoing

Etymology

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