View synonyms for offense

offense

[ uh-fens aw-fens, of-ens ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a violation or breaking of a social or moral rule; transgression; sin.
Synonyms: fault, felony, trespass
a transgression of the law; misdemeanor.
Synonyms: fault, felony, trespass
a cause of transgression or wrong.
something that offends or displeases.
the act of offending or displeasing.
the feeling of resentful displeasure caused:
to give offense.
Synonyms: wrath, resentment, umbrage, indignation
Antonyms: pleasure
the act of attacking; attack or assault:
weapons of offense.
Synonyms: aggression
Antonyms: defense
a person, army, etc., that is attacking.
Synonyms: foe, enemy
Sports.
1. the players or team unit responsible for attacking or scoring in a game.
2. the players possessing or controlling the ball, puck, etc., or the aspects or period of a game when this obtains.
3. a pattern or style of scoring attack:
  single-wing offense; fast-break offense.
4. offensive effectiveness; ability to score:
  a total breakdown in offense.
Archaic. injury, harm, or hurt.

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Other Words From

self-of·fense noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of offense¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English offence, offense; in part from Middle French offens, from Latin offēnsus “collision, knock,” equivalent to offend(ere) ( offend ) + -tus suffix of verb action; in part from Middle French offense, ultimately from Latin offēnsa, feminine past participle of offendere

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Idioms and Phrases

see no offense ; take offense .

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Synonym Study

See crime.

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Example Sentences

When the Mustangs are at their best, multiple players are contributing on offense, rebounding and playing strong defense.

From Los Angeles Times

Those charged with offenses of defamation and hate speech have included several social media influencers.

From BBC

After a significant defensive turnaround in the first year under coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers may pivot their offseason focus to bolster an offense that was lacking playmakers around Herbert last season.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s no denying, however, that Kupp’s role in the offense was on a downward trend, especially in the second half of last season.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, the addition of a right-handed shot and Kuzmenko’s physical presence in the crease could wake the flagging Kings’ offense.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

offender offenseless

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