offence
|of/fence|
/əˈfɛns/
to strike against; cause hurt
Etymology
'offence' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'offense', which in turn comes from Latin 'offensa' (past participle of 'offendere'), where 'ob-/off-' meant 'against' and 'fendere' (from 'fundere'?) related to 'strike' or 'hit'.
'offendere' (Latin) → 'offense' (Old French) → 'offence' (Middle English) → modern English 'offence'.
Initially it referred to a physical striking or stumbling against something (a 'striking against'); over time it broadened to mean a moral or legal transgression and also an insult or cause of hurt.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a breach of a law or rule; a crime.
He was charged with a serious public offence.
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Noun 2
an act that causes someone to feel hurt, upset, or insulted; an insult.
She took offence at his casual remark.
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Noun 3
the state of being annoyed or resentful because of a perceived insult or wrong.
He refused to discuss the matter further, nursing his offence.
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Noun 4
in sports and military contexts: the action of attacking or the side that attacks (opposite of defence).
The team's offence scored three goals in the second half.
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Last updated: 2025/09/29 16:18