offence

American  

[uh-fens, aw-fens, of-ens] / əˈfɛns, ˈɔ fɛns, ˈɒf ɛns /

noun

British.

1. variant of offense.

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offence British  

/ əˈfɛns /

noun

1. a violation or breach of a law, custom, rule, etc

2. 1. any public wrong or crime

   2. a nonindictable crime punishable on summary conviction

3. annoyance, displeasure, or resentment

4. to cause annoyance or displeasure to someone

5. to feel injured, humiliated, or offended

6. a source of annoyance, displeasure, or anger

7. attack; assault

8. archaic injury or harm

9. American football

   1. the team that has possession of the ball

   2. the members of a team that play in such circumstances

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Other Word Forms

• offenceless adjective

Compare meaning

How does offence compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• offence vs. defence

Example Sentences

Community resolution orders allow police to deal with low-level offences without going through the courts.

From BBC

This means that a suspect being charged with an offence today may not reach trial until 2030.

From BBC

The Ombudsman said the offences are alleged to have been committed while the man was on-duty and a serving police officer.

From BBC

The offences are alleged to have happened at an address in West Sussex between 1 June and 13 October, 2016.

From BBC

That offence was not out of the blue.

From BBC