offence

American  

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

noun

British.

1. variant of offense.

---

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

---

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

Albanese also promised hate speech reform including penalties for preachers and leaders who promote violence and a new federal offence of "aggravated hate speech".

From BBC

If an MP is convicted of an offence and given a custodial sentence, a recall petition would be triggered.

From BBC

At Margate Magistrates' Court on Wednesday he pleaded not guilty to the offence.

From BBC

Currently, people on bail for these offences are free to continue driving.

From BBC

Johnson said Cross supplied the chemicals to those who asked for them, at a cost of £100, adding that the offence involved a financial benefit.

From BBC