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

"It is a criminal offence to carry out work in contravention of the temporary stop notice," a spokesperson said.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Australia made it an offence to travel to the Islamic State's stronghold of Raqqa province in Syria between 2014 and 2017, an attempt to stop its citizens joining the militant group.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

The public nuisance offence carries a jail term of up to three months and a fine.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Several days after the initial appeal for witnesses, Surrey Police said it had not found evidence that the offence happened "as reported," and explicitly said there was "no evidence" asylum seekers or immigrants were involved.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Kali sniffed, but she was good-natured and did not take offence.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya