offence

/əˈfɛns/
noun
  1. An illegal act; a crime.
    • The new law makes it an offence to park in front of a fire hydrant.
    • Stealing is a serious offence that can lead to jail time.
    • The driver was charged with a traffic offence for running a red light.
  2. Feelings of hurt, annoyance, or resentment caused by something said or done.
    • He took offence at her joke and refused to speak to her.
    • No offence intended, but I think you made a mistake in the report.
    • She caused offence by arriving late to the wedding ceremony.
  3. The act of attacking or the means of attacking (in sports or military contexts).
    • The team's offence scored three goals in the first half.
    • The general planned a strong offence against the enemy's position.
    • In chess, a good offence often puts your opponent on the defensive.
Antonyms