- a variation of offense.
offence
Americannoun
noun
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a violation or breach of a law, custom, rule, etc
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any public wrong or crime
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a nonindictable crime punishable on summary conviction
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annoyance, displeasure, or resentment
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to cause annoyance or displeasure to someone
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to feel injured, humiliated, or offended
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a source of annoyance, displeasure, or anger
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attack; assault
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archaic injury or harm
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American football
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the team that has possession of the ball
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the members of a team that play in such circumstances
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Other Word Forms
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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.
Vocabulary lists containing offence
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Since April, it has been an offence to possess electronic devices used in vehicle thefts, but Glantz believes legislation is still failing to keep pace with the criminals.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
It is a criminal offence for employers not to pay the correct National Minimum and Living Wages to eligible employees.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
The only team to have a top-five scoring offence and defence, the 49ers again have injury problems this season, but if Evans stays fit he could be the missing piece in the puzzle.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026
The misuse or abuse of the currency is an offence and may attract sanctions under the law,'' she said.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
Kali sniffed, but she was good-natured and did not take offence.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
