Definition of offense

< offender

offensive >

of·fense    (-fns) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. The act of causing anger, resentment, displeasure, or affront.
   2. The state of being offended.
2. 1. A violation or infraction of a moral or social code; a transgression or sin.
   2. A transgression of law; a crime.
3. Something that outrages moral sensibilities: Genocide is an offense to all civilized humans.
4. (fns) The act of attacking or assaulting.
5. (fns) Sports
   1. The means or tactics used in attempting to score.
   2. A team in possession of the ball or puck, or those players whose primary duty is to attempt to score.
   3. Scoring ability or potential.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French ofense, from Latin offnsa, from feminine past participle of offendere, to offend ; see offend