Offense
/əˈfɛns/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act of breaking a law or rule; a crime or wrongdoing.
/əˈfɛns/
A violation of a law or rule.
The company was accused of a serious environmental offense.
💡 Simply: An offense is like when you do something wrong and break the rules, like when a kid skips their chores.
👶 For kids: When you do something bad and break a rule, that's an offense!
More Examples
He committed a traffic offense and received a fine.
The referee called a penalty for holding, an offensive foul in basketball.
How It's Used
"He was charged with a serious offense."
"The team's offense was strong in the second half."
A feeling of being offended; a cause for someone to feel hurt, upset, or insulted.
/əˈfɛns/
The act of causing someone to feel hurt or upset.
She took no offense at his bluntness.
💡 Simply: An offense is like when someone says or does something that makes you feel bad or hurt. Like if someone makes fun of your drawing.
👶 For kids: When someone says something that makes your feelings sad, that is an offense!
More Examples
His insensitive remarks caused considerable offense to the guests.
I hope I haven't given any offense.
How It's Used
"Her comment was taken as an offense."
"He didn't mean any offense by what he said."
An act of aggression; the act of attacking or attempting to gain possession or victory in a game.
/əˈfɛns/
The act of attacking or attempting to gain possession or victory.
The soldiers prepared for an all-out offense.
💡 Simply: In sports, offense is like when your team tries to score points, like kicking the ball to get a goal.
👶 For kids: In a game, when your team tries to win by scoring, that's offense!
More Examples
The team's offense was much improved this season.
They took the offense after the whistle blew.
How It's Used
"The team's offense scored the winning goal."
Synonyms
Crime
Misdemeanor
Indignation
Insult
Aggression
Assault
Attack
Idioms & expressions
no offense
A phrase used to preface a statement that might be considered offensive or rude. It serves as a disclaimer to avoid causing upset.
"No offense, but I think your idea is terrible."
take offense
To feel hurt or insulted by something.
"She took offense at his rude remarks about her cooking."
best offense is a good defense
The most effective way to protect oneself is to attack first or be proactive.
"To avoid getting laid off, the best offense is a good defense; start looking for another job now."
From Middle English *offence*, from Old French *offense*, from Latin *offensa*, feminine past participle of *offendere* ('to strike against, offend').
The term 'offense' has been used in English since the 13th century, initially denoting a violation of a law or moral code.
Memory tip
Think of 'offending' someone by breaking a rule.