offense

[ uh-fens aw-fens, of-ens ]

noun

1. a violation or breaking of a social or moral rule; transgression; sin.

   Synonyms: fault, felony, trespass

2. a transgression of the law; misdemeanor.

   Synonyms: fault, felony, trespass

3. a cause of transgression or wrong.
4. something that offends or displeases.
5. the act of offending or displeasing.
6. the feeling of resentful displeasure caused:

   to give offense.

   Synonyms: wrath, resentment, umbrage, indignation

   Antonyms: pleasure

7. the act of attacking; attack or assault:

   weapons of offense.

   Synonyms: aggression

   Antonyms: defense

8. a person, army, etc., that is attacking.

   Synonyms: foe, enemy

9. Sports.
   1. the players or team unit responsible for attacking or scoring in a game.
   2. the players possessing or controlling the ball, puck, etc., or the aspects or period of a game when this obtains.
   3. a pattern or style of scoring attack:

      single-wing offense; fast-break offense.

   4. offensive effectiveness; ability to score:

      a total breakdown in offense.

10. Archaic. injury, harm, or hurt.

Other Words From

• self-of·fense noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of offense¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English offence, offense; in part from Middle French offens, from Latin offēnsus “collision, knock,” equivalent to offend(ere) ( offend ) + -tus suffix of verb action; in part from Middle French offense, ultimately from Latin offēnsa, feminine past participle of offendere

Idioms and Phrases

see no offense ; take offense .

Synonym Study

See crime.

Example Sentences

The film’s version of “Dancing Through Life” is so backlit that it’s hard to make out characters beyond a blinding white glare, an offense second only to the way Elphaba is filmed in low light.

From Salon

Then again, it didn’t take long on that afternoon for Foster to become the featured part of the Bruins offense.

From Los Angeles Times

A physical, running offense to complement quarterback Justin Herbert was a top priority for first-year offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who also coached Dobbins in Baltimore.

From Los Angeles Times

An exception is made for law enforcement investigating serious offenses.

From Los Angeles Times

Murrieta Valley has reached the semifinals of the Division 2 playoffs because its offense is rolling.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breach
• crime
• infraction
• misdeed
• misdemeanor
• sin
• transgression
• wrongdoing