offender

UK: əˈfɛndə | US: əˈfɛndər

Definition

  1. n. a person who commits a crime or violates a law or rule

  2. n. someone who causes harm, offense, or annoyance

Structure
offend <to strike against>er <agent noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "offender" originates from the Latin offendere ("to strike against, displease"), composed of ob- (against) + fendere (to strike). The suffix -er (from Old English -ere) denotes an agent, forming a noun meaning "one who offends." Over time, the term evolved from general wrongdoing to specifically describe legal or moral violations.

Examples

  1. The police arrested the offender for vandalism.

  2. Repeat offenders often face harsher penalties.

  3. She forgave the offender despite the harm caused.

  4. The court mandated rehabilitation for the young offender.

  5. Society must address the root causes that create offenders.