Showing results for "offence"

• a variation of offense.

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

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Compare meaning

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

• offence vs. defence

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Explanation

Offence is the British spelling of offense, meaning "a punishable act." If you break a law for the first time, it’s your first offence. The noun offence comes from the Latin word offendere, which means “strike against.” Any time you break a law or a rule it is an offence against that law or rule. Also meaning "rudeness" — or the anger caused by it. In countries like the United States, the preferred spelling is offense, so don't take offense if someone corrects you.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

offence

Cornwall Council said there was "no excuse" for the offence, and that it would hold fly-tippers to account.

From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026

"She gave a full and frank admission to the offence and showed remorse to each of her victims. That is genuine remorse and regret for what she did," said Edwards.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

Schmidt has acknowledged that his words and gesture "were inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt", adding that the clip was recorded at a private gathering and "not intended for the public".

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

Players can receive three code violations and then be disqualified if they receive another - but Medvedev's offence was serious enough to instantly default him.

From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026

“Your Holiness, no offence, we are sure. We were only at wishing to make an exchange of ideas.”

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

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