offence

American  

[uh-fens, aw-fens, of-ens] / əˈfɛns, ˈɔ fɛns, ˈɒf ɛns /

noun

British.

1. variant of offense.

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offence British  

/ əˈfɛns /

noun

1. a violation or breach of a law, custom, rule, etc

2. 1. any public wrong or crime

   2. a nonindictable crime punishable on summary conviction

3. annoyance, displeasure, or resentment

4. to cause annoyance or displeasure to someone

5. to feel injured, humiliated, or offended

6. a source of annoyance, displeasure, or anger

7. attack; assault

8. archaic injury or harm

9. American football

   1. the team that has possession of the ball

   2. the members of a team that play in such circumstances

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Other Word Forms

• offenceless adjective

Compare meaning

How does offence compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• offence vs. defence

Example Sentences

"I had reason to speak to a couple of lads who were exiting the game and were very jubilant, but were singing songs that could have caused real offence in Germany," she says.

From BBC

Addressing him, the trial judge, Mr Justice Kinney, said the offence comes with a life sentence.

From BBC

The Met Police said Benjamin Bailey, 27, of Fifth Avenue in Oldham, Manchester, will appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Friday, 1 May in connection with the alleged offence.

From BBC

Under Kenya's laws it is illegal for the country's citizens to be conscripted into foreign armies - an offence that can carry up to a 10-year prison sentence.

From BBC

He nods to a "handful of hits" - including a Paddington immersive experience featuring a very real, very hungry bear - and while some fell flat, "at least they're willing to hazard their audience taking offence".

From BBC