Offence
əˈfens
Definitions
2 meaningsA violation of a law or rule; an instance of causing someone to feel upset, insulted, or annoyed.
əˈfens
An act of hurting or insulting someone's feelings.
He took great offence at the suggestion that he had cheated.
💡 Simply: Imagine you accidentally step on someone's foot. That's an offense! It's something you do that makes someone feel bad or breaks a rule.
👶 For kids: When you do something that makes someone sad or breaks a rule, that's an offense!
More Examples
The company's actions were seen as an offence against the environment.
He committed a minor traffic offence.
How It's Used
"His rude comments caused great offence."
"The act constituted a serious offence under the law."
The act of attacking or the position from which to attack; a military offensive.
əˈfens
An act of attacking or aggression.
The enemy launched a surprise offence.
💡 Simply: In a game or a fight, the offense is when you're actively trying to win or score points, like when a football team tries to score a touchdown or the army launches an attack.
👶 For kids: In a game or a fight, when you're trying to win or score points, that's the offense!
More Examples
Their offensive strategy proved successful.
The team's offense was weak and ineffective.
How It's Used
"The army launched an offensive against the enemy forces."
"The team's offense struggled to score points."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
take offence
To feel offended or insulted by something.
"He took offence at her rude remarks."
no offence
Said as a way to express a potentially controversial opinion without wanting to insult someone.
"No offence, but I don't think this plan will work."
From Middle English, from Old French offense (injury, attack), from Latin offensa, feminine past participle of offendere (to strike against, offend).
The word 'offence' has been used in English since the 14th century and has retained its core meanings of violation and attack, evolving alongside social norms and military strategy.
Memory tip
Think of a 'fence' - if you cross it and trespass, you've committed an offence.
Word Origin
"to strike against"