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   Of·fense

   /əˈfens/

   

   noun

   • 1. a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act: "neither offense violates any federal law" Similar crimeillegal/unlawful actmisdemeanorbreach/violation/infraction of the lawfelonywrongdoingwrongact of misconductmisdeeddelinquencypeccadillosintransgressioninfringementact of derelictionshortcomingfaultlapsemalfeasancearchaic:trespassrare:malefaction
   • ▪ a thing that constitutes a violation of what is judged to be right or natural: "the outcome is an offense to basic justice" Similar affrontslap in the faceinsultoutrageinjuryhurtinjusticeindignityslightsnub
   • 2. annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles: "I didn't intend to give offense" Similar annoyanceangerresentmentindignationirritationexasperationwrathdispleasuredisapprovaldislikehard/bad/ill feelingsdisgruntlementanimositypiquevexationumbrageantipathyaversionoppositionenmityliterary:ire
   • 3. the action of attacking someone or something: "reductions in strategic offense arsenals" Similar attackoffensiveassaultact of aggressionaggressiononslaughtthrustchargesortiesallyinvasionincursionforay
   • ▪ (in sports) the team or players who are attempting to score or advance the ball: North American "he is a wide receiver, playing on offense"
   • ▪ (in sports) the condition of possessing the ball or being on the team attempting to score. US

   Word 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’.

   Scrabble Points: 13

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