of·fense / əˈfens/ (Brit. of·fence) • n. 1. a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act: neither offense violates any federal law. ∎  a thing that constitutes a violation of what is judged to be right or natural: the outcome is an offense to basic justice.2. annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles: he went out, making it clear he'd taken offense I didn't intend to give offense.3. / ˈôfens; ˈäf-/ the action of attacking: [as adj.] reductions in strategic offense arsenals. ∎  (in sports) the team or players who are attempting to score or advance the ball. ∎  (in sports) the condition of possessing the ball or being on the team attempting to score.PHRASES: no offense inf. do not be offended.take offense be offended; feel resentment.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.’

OFFENSE

A breach of law; a crime.

An offense may consist of a felony or a misdemeanor. The term is used to indicate a violation of public rights as opposed to private ones. For example, murder is an offense whereas libel is not.