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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How does offence compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
Handing down the sentence, Judge Kelly Ho said given Maximilien's "age and nature of the offence", alternatives like probation or a community-based sentence would not be imposed.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
But Judge Paul Hobson questioned why he was relying on his partner, particularly given Morecroft was in a well-paid job since before the offence was exposed.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
Ifab clarified that VAR can only review cautions to "identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised, not to review or alter the offence".
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
Rachel Williams said it was good news the offence was being taken seriously after becoming a standalone criminal offence four years ago, and that its effects can be catastrophic.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
Bingley was sure of being liked wherever he appeared, Darcy was continually giving offence.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
