offence(offense)
UK: əˈfɛns | US: əˈfɛns
n. 1. A violation of a law or rule; an illegal act.
n. 2. A feeling of resentment or displeasure caused by a perceived insult.
n. 3. (Sports) The action or strategy of attacking in a game.
The word "offence" originates from the Latin "offensa," meaning "a striking against" or "injury." It combines the prefix "of-" (against) with "fence" (protection), reflecting the idea of an act that breaches or violates a boundary—whether legal, moral, or physical. Over time, it evolved in Middle English via Old French to encompass both legal violations and personal affronts.
The player received a penalty for committing an offence during the match.
She took offence at his careless remark.
The new law aims to reduce minor offences in public spaces.
His apology was meant to avoid causing further offence.
The team’s offence was strong, scoring three goals in the first half.