( BrE ) ( NAmE of·fense ) / əˈfens; NAmE / noun
1.
[ C ] offence (against sb/sth) an illegal act
SYN crime :
a criminal / serious / minor / sexual, etc. offence
a first offence (= the first time that sb has been found guilty of a crime)
a capital offence (= one for which sb may be punished by death)
He was not aware that he had committed an offence .
an offence against society / humanity / the state
New legislation makes it an offence to carry guns.
2.
[ U ] the act of upsetting or insulting sb :
I'm sure he meant no offence when he said that.
The photo may cause offence to some people.
No one will take offence (= feel upset or insulted) if you leave early.
Don't be so quick to take offence .
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IDIOMS
- no offence
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French offens misdeed, from Latin offensus annoyance, reinforced by French offense , from Latin offensa a striking against, a hurt, or displeasure; based on Latin offendere strike against.