variants
or British offence
plural offenses
1
a
: something that causes a person to be hurt, angry, or upset
She didn't mean to give/cause offense. [=to offend anyone]
I mean no offense [=I do not want to offend anyone], but isn't there someone more qualified for the job?
No offense [=I do not want to offend you when I say this], but I think you are mistaken.
b
: something that is wrong or improper
—often + to
His actions are an offense to public morals.
—often + againstSuch language is an offense against common decency.
2
: a criminal act
He was found guilty and fined $250 for each offense.
Penalties for a first offense range from fines to jail time.
a capital/federal/criminal offense
serious/minor offenses
3
\
\ US, sports
a
: the group of players on a team who try to score points or goals against an opponent
Our team has the best offense in the league.
a talented offense
The quarterback directs the offense.
She began the season on offense [=playing on the part of the team that tries to score points or goals], but her coach later put her on defense.
b
: the way that players on a team try to score points or goals against an opponent
The team needs some work on its offense.
The team plays good offense.
Cite this Entry
“Offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/offense. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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