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

Explanation

Offence is the British spelling of offense, meaning "a punishable act." If you break a law for the first time, it’s your first offence. The noun offence comes from the Latin word offendere, which means “strike against.” Any time you break a law or a rule it is an offence against that law or rule. Also meaning "rudeness" — or the anger caused by it. In countries like the United States, the preferred spelling is offense, so don't take offense if someone corrects you.

Example Sentences

Nursery owner, 55 year-old Deborah Latewood, is due to be sentenced for a health and safety offence, while the nursery itself will be sentenced for corporate manslaughter as well as a health and safety offence.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Recorder Angharad Price called it "an appalling offence".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The Metropolitan Police submitted an image of Redmayne's car and said that a notice of prosecution was sent out on 20 October, six days after the offence.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Supporters seem to want to compartmentalise it into its own offence.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

‘No offence, but, uh . . . what’s an army of Amazons going to do against a wave of dirt?’

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan