Offense — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈfen(t)s/ of·fense

Meaning & Definition of Offense

Offense (noun)

  1. something that outrages the moral or physical senses
  2. the act of displeasing or affronting
  3. the state of being insulted or morally outraged

Offense (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a breaking of a moral or legal code

    "wartime offenses that are crimes against all of humanity"

    similar: breach, crime, debt, error, lawbreaking, malefaction, misdeed, misdoing, sin, transgression, trespass, violation, wrongdoing
    related: bias crime, hate crime, felony, misconduct, misdemeanor, misfeasance, fault, foible, peccadillo, break, infringement, immorality, iniquitousness, iniquity, sinfulness, vice, wickedness, corruption, debauchery, depravity, licentiousness, abuse, criminality, illegality, lawlessness, unlawfulness, descent, downfall, fall
    opposite: noncrime
    near: blamelessness, faultlessness, guiltlessness, impeccability, innocence, irreproachability, goodness, morality, righteousness, virtue, virtuousness

  2. the act or action of setting upon with force or violence

    "combat casualties grew enormously as the weapons of offense became far more technologically advanced than defensive armor"

    similar: aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offensive, onset, onslaught, raid, rush, strike
    related: ambuscade, ambush, counteraggression, counterassault, counterattack, counteroffensive, counterstrike, sally, sortie, envelopment, flanking, breakthrough, foray, incursion, invasion, pillage, ravage, sack, air raid, bombardment, bombing, siege, storm, barrage, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, volley, whammy
    near: defense, defensive, guard, shield, opposition, resistance, protection, security, shelter

  3. an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings

    "a diplomat never deliberately gives offense"

    similar: affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis (slang), epithet, gird, indignity, insult, name, outrage, personality, poke, put-down, sarcasm, slap, slight, slur
    related: catcall, gibe, jeer, mock, quip, sneer, taunt, abuse, invective, vituperation, disapproval, opprobrium, disgrace, dishonor, shame, attack, criticism, knock, slam, swipe, torment, torture
    near: accolade, commendation, compliment, acclaim, applause, praise, adulation, flattery

  4. the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity

    "my mother was prone to take offense even at the most innocent remark"

    similar: dudgeon, huff, miff, peeve, pique, resentment, umbrage
    related: aggravation, anger, annoyance, bother, botheration, discomfort, exasperation, frustration, grief, irritation, vexation, agitation, angriness, displeasure, distress, disturbance, indignation, irateness, ire, outrage, perturbation, upset, dander, temper, fit, pet, pouts, sulk(s), tantrum, tizzy, affront, barb, brickbat, dig, indignity, insult, put-down, slap, slight, slur
    near: satisfaction, appeasement, mollification, pacification, contentment, delight, gratification, happiness, pleasure

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Offense

The most common words with a similar meaning to Offense:

Slang: dis
breach, crime, debt, error, lawbreaking, malefaction, misdeed, misdoing, sin, transgression, trespass, violation, wrongdoing, aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offensive, onset, onslaught, raid, rush, strike, affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, epithet, gird, indignity, insult, name, outrage

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Offense

Words with the opposite meaning of Offense:

noncrime

Related Words for Offense

bias crime, hate crime, felony, misconduct, misdemeanor, misfeasance, fault, foible, peccadillo, break, infringement, immorality, iniquitousness, iniquity, sinfulness, vice, wickedness, corruption, debauchery, depravity, licentiousness, abuse, criminality, illegality, lawlessness, unlawfulness, downfall, fall, ambuscade, ambush

Near Antonyms of Offense

blamelessness, faultlessness, guiltlessness, impeccability, innocence, irreproachability, goodness, morality, righteousness, virtue, virtuousness, defense, defensive, guard, shield, opposition, resistance, protection, security, shelter, accolade, commendation, compliment, acclaim, applause, praise, adulation, flattery, satisfaction, appeasement

Word Forms of Offense

Derived words: offenseless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Offense

Middle English offence, offense "assault, breach of law, causing of displeasure," borrowed from Anglo-French offense, borrowed from Latin offensa "encounter with an obstacle, injury, wrong," noun derivative from feminine of offensus, past participle of offendere "to strike against, break a rule, displease" offend

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Offense

give/cause offense, mean no offense, no offense, on offense, take offense

Frequently Asked Questions about Offense

What does "Offense" mean?

"Offense" means something that outrages the moral or physical senses. As a noun, it is defined as: something that outrages the moral or physical senses. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Offense"?

Other words for "Offense" include breach, crime, debt, error, lawbreaking, malefaction, misdeed and misdoing. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Offense" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Offense"?

There are 162 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Offense". Common alternatives include breach, crime, debt, error, lawbreaking, malefaction, misdeed, misdoing, sin and transgression.

What is the opposite of "Offense"?

Antonyms of "Offense" include noncrime. Near antonyms include blamelessness, faultlessness, guiltlessness and impeccability.

How do you use "Offense" in a sentence?

Examples of "Offense" in a sentence: "wartime offenses that are crimes against all of humanity"; "combat casualties grew enormously as the weapons of offense became far more technologically advanced than defensive armor"; "a diplomat never deliberately gives offense".

Is "Offense" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Offense" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Offense"?

"Offense" is pronounced /ə-ˈfen(t)s/ and divided into syllables as of·fense.

What is the origin of the word "Offense"?

"Offense" comes from Middle English offence, offense "assault, breach of law, causing of displeasure," borrowed from Anglo-French offense, borrowed from Latin offensa "encounter with an obstacle, injury, wrong," noun derivative from feminine of offensus, past participle of offendere "to strike against, break a rule, displease" offend. First known use: 14th century.