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

Vondrousova, who is 46th in the women's rankings, can continue playing as the offence does not incur an immediate ban and she has opted not to take a provisional suspension.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Sentencing him on Tuesday, Recorder Angharad Price described it as an "appalling offence".

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

At the time of the offence, Williams was in charge of 120 horses over two locations.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

But, given the images and public quotes made about the offence, the authority said it was looking to issue a fine.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

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

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya