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offense

One entry found.


Main Entry:
of·fense 
          Listen to the pronunciation of offense 
          Listen to the pronunciation of offense
Variant(s):
or of·fence 
          Listen to the pronunciation of offence 
          Listen to the pronunciation of offence \ə-ˈfen(t)s, especially for 3 ˈä-ˌfen(t)s, ˈȯ-\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin offensa, from feminine of offensus, past participle of offendere
Date:
14th century
1 aobsolete : an act of stumbling barchaic : a cause or occasion of sin : stumbling block2: something that outrages the moral or physical senses3 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 ability4 a: the act of displeasing or affronting b: the state of being insulted or morally outraged <takes offense at the slightest criticism>5 a: a breach of a moral or social code : sin , misdeed b: an infraction of law ; especially : misdemeanor
of·fense·less 
          Listen to the pronunciation of offenseless \-ləs\ 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 <takes deep offense at racial slurs>. resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will <harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother>. umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives <took umbrage at the offer of advice>. pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity <in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation>. dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation <stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon>. huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause <in a huff he slammed the door>.
synonyms offense , sin , vice , crime , scandal mean a transgression of law. offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code <at that school no offense went unpunished>. sin implies an offense against moral or religious law <the sin of blasphemy>. vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts <regarded gambling as a vice>. crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state <the crime of murder>. scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience <a career ruined by a sex scandal>.


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