What is offence? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of offence

offencenoun

sự vi phạm, sự phạm tội

/əˈfɛns/

Definition & pronunciation of <b>offence</b>

Where does the word offence come from?

The word "offence" has its roots in Old French and Latin. The Old French word "offense" derived from the Latin "offendere", which means "to strike against" or "to offend". In Latin, the verb "offendere" is a combination of "offere", meaning "to offer" or "to place", and "laedere", meaning "to hurt" or "to injure". In English, the word "offence" initially referred to the act of striking against or harming someone or something. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the idea of violating a moral or social norm, causing feelings of hurt, anger, or upset in others. Today, the word "offence" is often used to describe an act that is considered morally wrong or socially unacceptable, and may be used in legal, moral, or ethical contexts.

Vocabulary summary offence

typenoun

meaningcrime; sin

meaning(rare word, rare meaning) attack; offensive stance

examplethe most effective defence is offence

meaninginsult, annoyance, displeasure

exampleno offence was meant

exampleto give offence to somebody

exampleto take offence

Example of vocabulary offencenamespace

meaning

an illegal act

  • a criminal/serious/minor/sexual offence
  • a drug/firearms/traffic offence
  • a first offence (= the first time that somebody has been found guilty of a crime)
  • a capital offence (= one for which somebody may be punished by death)
  • What are the alleged offences (= that have been stated but not yet proved)?
meaning

the feeling of being upset or angry at something that somebody has said or done

Synonyms and related words for offence

Idioms of vocabulary offence

no offence
(informal)used to say that you do not mean to upset or show a lack of respect for somebody by something you say or do
  • No offence, but I'd really like to be on my own.
  • No offence intended, but are you sure your calculations are right?

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