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

Example Sentences

The 41-year-old, who was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court earlier, was the first person charged with XL bully offences after new laws came into force.

From BBC

The couple are wanted over offences allegedly committed in Spain.

From BBC

He appeared before a sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Monday in person where he was charged with six offences.

From BBC

Amanda Lyons was held over offences alleged to have been committed in Spain.

From BBC

It is understood the offence was initially seen by the TV umpire before the on-field umpires gave the punishment.

From BBC