Main Entry: of·fenseMain Entry: of·fenseMain Entry: of·fense
Variant(s): or of·fence /&-'fen(t)s, esp for 3 'ä-"fen(t)s, 'o-/
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin offensa, from feminine of offensus, past participle of offendere
Date: 14th century
1 a obsolete : an act of stumbling b archaic : a cause or occasion of sin : STUMBLING BLOCK
2 : something that outrages the moral or physical senses
3 a : the act of attacking : ASSAULT b : the means or method of attacking or of attempting to score c : the offensive team or members of a team playing offensive positions d : scoring ability
4 a : the act of displeasing or affronting b : the state of being insulted or morally outraged
5 a : a breach of a moral or social code : SIN, MISDEED b : an infraction of law; especially : MISDEMEANOR
- of·fense·less /-l&s/ adjective
synonyms OFFENSE, RESENTMENT, UMBRAGE, PIQUE, DUDGEON, HUFF mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity. OFFENSE implies hurt displeasure . RESENTMENT suggests a longer lasting indignation or smoldering ill will . UMBRAGE may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives . PIQUE applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity . DUDGEON suggests an angry fit of indignation . HUFF implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause . synonyms OFFENSE, SIN, VICE, CRIME, SCANDAL mean a transgression of law. OFFENSE applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code . SIN implies an offense against moral or religious law . VICE applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts . CRIME implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state . SCANDAL applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience .