Dictionary
offense
noun of·fense \ə-ˈfen(t)s, especially for 3 ˈä-ˌfen(t)s, ˈȯ-\
: something that causes a person to be hurt, angry, or upset
: something that is wrong or improper
: a criminal act
Full Definition of OFFENSE
1
a obsolete : an act of stumbling b archaic : a cause or occasion of sin : stumbling block
2
: something that outrages the moral or physical senses
3
4
a : the act of displeasing or affronting b : the state of being insulted or morally outraged <takes offense at the slightest criticism>
5
a : a breach of a moral or social code : sin, misdeed b : an infraction of law; especially : misdemeanor
— of·fense·less \-ləs\ adjective
See offense defined for English-language learners
See offense defined for kids
Variants of OFFENSE
of·fense or of·fence \ə-ˈfen(t)s, especially for 3 ˈä-ˌfen(t)s, ˈȯ-\
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Origin of OFFENSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin offensa, from feminine of offensus, past participle of offendere
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to OFFENSE
- Synonyms
- breach, crime, debt, error, lawbreaking, malefaction, misdeed, misdoing, sin, transgression, trespass, violation, wrongdoing
- Antonyms
- noncrime
Synonym Discussion of OFFENSE
offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity. offense implies hurt displeasure <takes deep offense at racial slurs>. resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will <harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother>. umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives <took umbrage at the offer of advice>. pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity <in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation>. dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation <stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon>. huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause <in a huff he slammed the door>.offense, sin, vice, crime, scandal mean a transgression of law. offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code <at that school no offense went unpunished>. sin implies an offense against moral or religious law <the sin of blasphemy>. vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts <regarded gambling as a vice>. crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state <the crime of murder>. scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience <a career ruined by a sex scandal>.
Rhymes with OFFENSE
OFFENSE Defined for Kids
offense
noun of·fense \ə-ˈfens\
Definition of OFFENSE for Kids
1
: something done that hurts feelings or insults
2
: wrongdoing, sin
3
: the act of hurting feelings or insulting
4
: a team or the part of a team that attempts to score in a game
5
: an act of attacking : assault
Variants of OFFENSE
of·fense or of·fence \ə-ˈfens\
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