offense meaning and definition

OFFENSE noun

Definition of offense (noun)

1. a lack of politeness; a failure to show regard for others; wounding the feelings or others
   • synonyms: discourtesy, offence, offensive activity
2. a feeling of anger caused by being offended
   • "he took offence at my question"
   • synonyms: offence, umbrage
3. (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
   • "a long record of crimes"
   • synonyms: crime, criminal offence, criminal offense, law-breaking, offence
4. the team that has the ball (or puck) and is trying to score
   • synonyms: offence
   • antonym: defence
5. the action of attacking an enemy
   • synonyms: offence, offensive