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

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

Supporters seem to want to compartmentalise it into its own offence.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Hunter also said the family were "really thankful" for Roberts apologising and accepting careless driving and "ideally" he would not have been found guilty of the dangerous driving offence.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Evans, 34 from Holway, Holywell and Marl-Brook from Hall Street, Rhos, Wrexham, later admitted the same offence.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Leonard said ringed plovers were among the island's "schedule one protected species", meaning disturbing them at the nest is an offence under the island's Wildlife Act.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

“The task before me,” said Poirot, “is to make sure of the movements of everyone on the train. No offence need be taken, you understand? It is only a matter of routine.”

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie