Definition

1. Noun:
   • The action of attacking an enemy: The act of initiating an attack or aggressive action in a conflict, competition, or game.
   • The team or players responsible for attacking in a sport: In team sports, the group of players whose primary objective is to score points or goals.
   • (Criminal law) An act punishable by law; a crime: An illegal act that violates a law and is subject to legal penalty.
   • A feeling of anger, hurt, or resentment caused by a perceived insult or disrespect: The emotional state of being upset or annoyed because of something said or done.
   • A lack of politeness; an affront: An act or remark that causes hurt feelings or shows disrespect.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Attack):

  • The general planned a swift offense to capture the territory.
  • In football, a strong offense is as important as a good defense.

• Noun (Sports Team):

  • The team's offense moved the ball down the field skillfully.
  • He plays on the offense for his hockey team.

• Noun (Crime):

  • Driving under the influence is a serious offense.
  • The law categorizes theft as a criminal offense.

• Noun (Feeling of Upset):

  • She took offense at his rude comment.
  • I meant no offense by my question.

• Noun (Act of Disrespect):

  • His interruption was an offense to the speaker.
  • Spitting in public is considered a public offense in many places.

Advanced Usage

• "To give offense": To cause someone to feel hurt or insulted.

  • His blunt manner often gives offense without him realizing it.

• "No offense": A phrase used to preface a statement that might be upsetting, to indicate no insult is intended.

  • No offense, but I think your idea needs more work.

• "First offense": Refers to the first time someone is convicted of a crime, often receiving lighter punishment.

  • Since it was his first offense, the judge was more lenient.

Variants and Related Words

• Offend (verb): To cause someone to feel upset, annoyed, or insulted; to commit a crime or sin.

  • I hope my words did not offend you.

• Offensive (adjective):

  • Causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry.

    • He made an offensive remark.
  • Relating to an attack or the act of attacking.

    • The army took offensive action.

• Offensive (noun): A concerted military or sporting attack.

  • The army launched a major offensive.

• Offender (noun): A person who commits an illegal act or causes a problem.

  • The police arrested the offender.

Synonyms

• Attack, Assault (for the act of attacking).
• Crime, Misdemeanor, Violation (for an illegal act).
• Umbrage, Resentment, Indignation (for the feeling of being upset).
• Affront, Insult, Slight (for an act of disrespect).

Related Phrases

• Take offense: To become upset or insulted by something.

  • He is quick to take offense.

• Cause offense: To do or say something that upsets someone.

  • Her joke might cause offense.

Idioms

• The best defense is a good offense: A proverb meaning that being proactive and attacking a problem is the most effective way to protect yourself.

  • In the debate, she argued that the best defense is a good offense.

• On offense: In the role or position of attacking in a sport or conflict.

  • Our team will be on offense for the first quarter.

Noun

1. the action of attacking an enemy
2. the team that has the ball (or puck) and is trying to score
3. (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
   • a long record of crimes
4. a feeling of anger caused by being offended
   • he took offence at my question
5. a lack of politeness; a failure to show regard for others; wounding the feelings or others