offense

[əˈfɛns]

offense Definition

• 1. a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act
• 2. annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles

Using offense: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "offense" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He was arrested for committing an offense against the law.

• Example

  Her words caused great offense to the audience.

• Example

  I took no offense at his criticism.

• Example

  The team's offense was unstoppable in the second half.

offense Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for offense

• transgression
• violation
• breach
• infraction
• misdemeanor

Antonyms for offense

• compliment
• praise
• commendation

Idioms Using offense

• on offense

  in a position of attacking or being aggressive

  Example

  The team is on offense and trying to score a goal.

• defense is the best offense

  it is better to defend yourself than to attack others

  Example

  Instead of arguing with him, I decided that defense is the best offense and just walked away.

• minor offense

  a relatively minor violation of a law or rule

  Example

  Speeding is considered a minor offense in most states.

Phrases with offense

• give offense

  to cause someone to feel upset or insulted

  Example

  I hope I didn't give offense by asking about her personal life.

• take offense

  to feel upset or insulted by something someone said or did

  Example

  She took offense at his comment and stormed out of the room.

• first offense

  the first time someone has committed a particular crime or offense

  Example

  Since it was his first offense, he received a lighter sentence.

Origins of offense

from Old French 'offense', from Latin 'offensa', meaning 'stumbling block'

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Summary: offense in Brief

The term 'offense' [əˈfɛns] refers to either a breach of law or rule, or annoyance or resentment caused by a perceived insult. It can be used in phrases like 'give offense' and 'take offense,' as well as idioms like 'on offense.' 'Offense' also has a legal connotation, as in 'He was arrested for committing an offense against the law.'