offense
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
offense
(US)
noun
plural
offenses
offense
(US)
noun
plural
offenses
Britannica Dictionary definition of OFFENSE
1
a
[noncount]
:
something that causes a person to be hurt, angry, or upset
-
She didn't mean to give/cause offense. [=to offend anyone]
-
I mean no offense [=I do not want to offend anyone], but isn't there someone more qualified for the job?
-
No offense [=I do not want to offend you when I say this], but I think you are mistaken.
b
[count]
:
something that is wrong or improper
— often + to
— often + against
-
His actions are an offense to public morals.
-
Such language is an offense against common decency.
2
[count]
:
a criminal act
-
He was found guilty and fined $250 for each offense.
-
Penalties for a first offense range from fines to jail time.
-
a capital/federal/criminal offense
-
serious/minor offenses
3
/ˈaːˌfɛns/
US, sports
a
:
the group of players on a team who try to score points or goals against an opponent
[count]
-
Our team has the best offense in the league.
-
a talented offense
-
The quarterback directs the offense.
[noncount]
-
She began the season on offense [=playing on the part of the team that tries to score points or goals], but her coach later put her on defense.
b
[noncount]
:
the way that players on a team try to score points or goals against an opponent
—
compare defense 6
-
The team needs some work on its offense.
-
The team plays good offense.
take offense
:
to become angry or upset by something that another person has said or done
:
to be offended by something
— often + at
-
He took offense when I suggested exchanging the gift.
-
She takes offense at any criticism.
