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 also an offence to disturb, damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of an otter or obstruct their access, whether or not an otter is present.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Nursery owner, 55 year-old Deborah Latewood, is due to be sentenced for a health and safety offence, while the nursery itself will be sentenced for corporate manslaughter as well as a health and safety offence.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Recorder Angharad Price called it "an appalling offence".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 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