n.
Variant: or of · fence
Pronunciation: ə - ' fen(t)s, esp for 3 ' ä- ˌ fen(t)s, ' o ̇ -
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin offensa, from feminine of offensus, past participle of offendere
Date: 14th century
1 a obsolete : an act of stumbling b archaic : a cause or occasion of sin : STUMBLING BLOCK
2 : something that outrages the moral or physical senses
3 a : the act of attacking : ASSAULT b : the means or method of attacking or of attempting to score c : the offensive team or members of a team playing offensive positions d : scoring ability
4 a : the act of displeasing or affronting b : the state of being insulted or morally outraged <takes offense at the slightest criticism>
5 a : a breach of a moral or social code : SIN , MISDEED b : an infraction of law especially : MISDEMEANOR
– of · fense · less \ -l ə s \ adjective
synonyms OFFENSE , RESENTMENT , UMBRAGE , PIQUE , DUDGEON , HUFF mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity. OFFENSE implies hurt displeasure <takes deep offense at racial slurs>. RESENTMENT suggests lasting indignation or ill will <harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother>. UMBRAGE may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives <took umbrage at the offer of advice>. PIQUE applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity <in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation>. DUDGEON suggests an angry fit of indignation <stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon >. HUFF implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause <in a huff he slammed the door>.
synonyms OFFENSE , SIN , VICE , CRIME , SCANDAL mean a transgression of law. OFFENSE applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code <at that school no offense went unpunished>. SIN implies an offense against moral or religious law <the sin of blasphemy>. VICE applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts <regarded gambling as a vice >. CRIME implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state <the crime of murder>. SCANDAL applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience <a career ruined by a sex scandal >.