Word
offense
Phoneticsof·fense, stress on the second syllable
/əˈfɛns/
UK spelling · offence, offences
Definitions
01a crime or broken rule
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Law American English
n. a crime or an act that breaks a law or a rule.
n. a breach of a law, rule, or social code; a transgression or illegal act.
“Driving too fast is a serious offense that can lead to a large fine.”
“The defendant was charged with a first-time offense, which the judge took into consideration when determining the final sentence.”
Usage
Often used with 'first', 'minor', or 'serious'.
Synonyms
02feeling upset or insulted
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun American English
n. the feeling of being upset, hurt, or annoyed by something someone says or does.
n. the state of being insulted or displeased; a subjective feeling of resentment or anger.
“I hope you didn't take offense at my joke; I was only kidding.”
“The diplomat took great offense at the suggestion that his country had acted in bad faith during the negotiations.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrases 'take offense' or 'give offense'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03sports team or strategy
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Sports American English
n. the part of a team that tries to score points, or the plan they use to do it.
n. the team, players, or tactical strategy focused on scoring points or goals in a game.
“The team has a very strong offense this year and scores many goals.”
“The coach decided to switch to a more aggressive offense in the second half to overcome the opponent's lead.”
Teaching tip
In British English, this sense is usually called the 'attack'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English offence, from Old French offense, from Latin offensa (“a striking against; displeasure; injury”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
01. hanging offence
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/offense