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

Derived 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

Prosecutor Lyndon Harris told the court that the "admission to the conduct alleged against her" amounts to an offence, and that Rein Lively had agreed to pay £910 in compensation.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

In a statement following their landing, Australia's federal police said none of the cohort had been charged with an offence.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Under the proposals, courts in England would be able to issue between three and nine penalty points on driving licences per fly-tipping offence.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Spence admitted the offence and at a hearing last week magistrate Richard Deacon sentenced him to a £146 fine and ordered him to pay £120 in costs.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

‘Those kids in Cabin Seventeen - they’re rz^cr-competitive. When it comes to capture the flag, they’re almost worse than the Ares kids. Uh, no offence, Frank.’

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan