Meaning & use

offense

noun·Everyday

Last updated

A violation of a rule or law, or the act of causing hurt or anger.

See it in a sentence

Speeding is a minor traffic offense in most states.

He didn't mean any offense by his blunt comment.

A note on using this word

In sports, "offense" refers to the team trying to score, a distinct sense from the legal or emotional meaning.

Words with a similar meaning

violationinsult

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Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. noun

In sports, the team or players attempting to score against the opposing team.

The offense struggled to move the ball in the second half.

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