offense
Translation
offence, crime, insult, attack
Examples
He was arrested for a minor offense.
He was arrested for a minor offence.
Please don't take offense at my comments.
Please don't take offence at my comments.
Our team has a very strong offense.
Our team has a very strong offence.
Grammar Patterns
to commit an offense to do sth. illegal He was arrested for committing a minor offense.
to take offense ((at sth.)) to feel upset by sth. She took offense at his rude comment.
no offense meant said to show you do not want to upset sb. No offense, but I think you're mistaken.
Similar Words
Synonyms: crime, violation; insult, slight. Antonyms: defense, compliment
Etymology
From Latin 'offendere' meaning 'to strike against', from 'of-' (against) + 'fendere' (to strike).
Memory Tips
To 'offend' someone is to cause them 'offense' (insult). In sports, the 'offense' strikes against the 'defense'.