Definitions for offenseəˈfɛns or, for 9 , ˈɔ fɛns, ˈɒf ɛns

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

of•fense^*əˈfɛns or, for 9 , ˈɔ fɛns, ˈɒf ɛns(n.)

or of•fence

a violation or breaking of a social or moral rule; transgression; sin.
a transgression of the law; misdemeanor.
something that offends or displeases.
the act of offending or displeasing.
the feeling of resentment caused:
to give offense.
aggression or assault:
weapons of offense.
a person, army, etc., that is attacking.
the team unit responsible for scoring in a game. a pattern or style of scoring attack. offensive effectiveness; ability to score.
Category: Sport
Archaic. injury, harm, or hurt.

^* Syn: See crime.

Origin of offense:

1325–75; ME, in part < MF offens < L offēnsus collision, knock, dislike, der. of offendere (see offend ); in part < MF offense < L offēnsa striking against, displeasure, der. of offendere

Princeton's WordNet

discourtesy, offense, offence, offensive activity(noun)
a lack of politeness; a failure to show regard for others; wounding the feelings or others
umbrage, offense, offence(noun)
a feeling of anger caused by being offended
"he took offence at my question"
crime, offense, criminal offense, criminal offence, offence, law-breaking(noun)
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
"a long record of crimes"
offense, offence(noun)
the team that has the ball (or puck) and is trying to score
offense, offence, offensive(noun)
the action of attacking an enemy

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

offense(noun)əˈfɛns or, for 9, ˈɔ fɛns, ˈɒf ɛns
an illegal action
He had committed three previous offenses.
offenseəˈfɛns or, for 9, ˈɔ fɛns, ˈɒf ɛns
the feeling of being offended by sth sb says or does
I apologize if I have caused offense.
offenseəˈfɛns or, for 9, ˈɔ fɛns, ˈɒf ɛns
indicates you do not want sb to be offended by what you are about to say
Look, no offense, but that really wasn't very good.
offenseəˈfɛns or, for 9, ˈɔ fɛns, ˈɒf ɛns
to be offended
Don't take offense, but I think we'll have to change what you've written.

Wiktionary

offense(Noun)
The act of offending; a crime or sin; an affront or injury.
offense(Noun)
The state of being offended or displeased; anger; displeasure.
offense(Noun)
(often /u02C8u0252 fu025Bns/) A strategy and tactics employed when in position to score; contrasted with defense.
offense(Noun)
(often /u02C8u0252 fu025Bns/) The portion of a team dedicated to scoring when in position to do so; contrasted with defense.

Origin: From offensa