offense

noun

uh-FENS/əˈfɛns/

UK spellingoffence

5 meanings of offense

1
crimenouncountable
Something you do that breaks a law or moral rule.
Stealing from a store is a serious offense.
He paid a fine for his first offense.
Similarcrime, violation, infraction, transgression
Note
2
noununcountable
The hurt or angry feeling you get when someone is rude or unfair to you.
Like the sting you feel when a friend says something mean.
She took offense at his rude comment.
He meant no offense by the question.
Similarindignation, resentment, displeasure, umbrage
Note
3
something insultingnouncountable
A rude action or remark that hurts or insults someone.
Like a slap given with words instead of a hand.
His harsh words were a clear offense to the whole family.
Forgetting her name felt like a personal offense.
Similarinsult, affront, slight
Note
4
attacking playersnouncountable
The players on a team whose job is to score points.
Like the players who try to put the ball in the goal, not the ones guarding it.
Their offense scored three touchdowns in the first half.
The coach told the offense to take the field.
Similarattack
Oppositedefense
Note
5
attacking plannouncountable
The plan a team uses to try to score points.
Like a game plan for how to win points.
The team changed its offense after halftime.
Their offense relies on quick, short passes.
Similarattack
Oppositedefense
Note

Practice

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Origin

It came from Latin "offensa," meaning a striking against, displeasure, or injury, through Old French and Middle English.