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

Gibson, who tallied 81 yards all season on offense, rushed for 101 yards Friday night.

From Los Angeles Times

But the Eagles’ success on offense starts with their line.

From Los Angeles Times

Sam Farmer’s pick: The Eagles have a lot of ways to beat you on offense — especially with Barkley — and their defense is swarming.

From Los Angeles Times

Federal authorities arrested the purported dead man in Riverside on Tuesday, charging Gutierrez-Ochoa with international drug trafficking and money laundering offenses.

From Los Angeles Times

Mississippi State transfer Jo’Quavious Marks and his family believe USC coach Lincoln Riley’s offense is perfect for his mix of toughness and skill.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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