offense

of|fense [ ə`fens ] noun ***

▸ 1 illegal act

▸ 2 make someone angry

▸ 3 in sports

▸ 4 something that makes you angry

▸ 5 process of attacking

1. ) count a crime or illegal activity for which there is a punishment:

a traffic/drug/sex offense

first/second etc. offense: The usual fine is $15 to $100 for a first offense.

minor offense: Four people were arrested on minor offenses.

criminal offense: Killing these animals has been made a criminal offense.

capital offense (=a crime for which someone can be killed): They argued that since the victim was an officer, the criminal should be charged with a capital offense.

commit an offense: He has committed a very serious offense.

charge someone with an offense: The new ruling only applies to suspects who have been charged with an offense.

convict someone of an offense: Walker was convicted of a similar offense in 1987.

2. ) uncount something that you do or say which makes someone else angry or upset:

cause/give offense: commercials that cause offense

a ) no offense used for telling someone that you hope that what you are saying will not offend them:

I'm not sure you're the best person for the job. No offense, Charlie.

b ) take offense (at something) to feel offended by something that someone has done or said:

She hadn't taken offense at his words.

3. ) / `A,fens / uncount the part of a game such as football that involves trying to score points:

They're a team that has always been stronger on offense.

a ) uncount the members of a team in a game such as football whose job is to try to score points

4. ) count something that makes you feel angry and upset because it is insulting, unfair, or morally wrong:

offense to: a performance that is an offense to good taste

5. ) uncount FORMAL the process of attacking someone or something:

weapons of offense