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

Of those who had been returned, less than 6,000 has been convicted of a criminal offence.

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

Since April, it has been an offence to possess electronic devices used in vehicle thefts, but Glantz believes legislation is still failing to keep pace with the criminals.

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

The only team to have a top-five scoring offence and defence, the 49ers again have injury problems this season, but if Evans stays fit he could be the missing piece in the puzzle.

From BBC ● Oct. 12, 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

The second edition of Of Natural Magic had been worked through carefully to remove possible causes of offence.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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