offence

 
Pronunciation: /əˈfɛns/
(US offense)

noun

  • 1a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act: the new offence of obtaining property by deception
  • a thing that constitutes a violation of what is judged to be right or natural: the outcome is an offence to basic justice
  • 2 [mass noun] annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself: he made it clear he’d taken offence I didn’t intend to give offence
  • 3 [mass noun] the action of attacking someone or something: [as modifier]: reductions in strategic offence arsenals
  • (offense) /ˈɒfɛns, ˈaː-/ North American the attacking team or players in a sport, especially in American football: he is a wide receiver, playing on offense

Phrases

no offence

informal do not be offended: OK, lady, no offence, just shooting my mouth off as usual

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French offens 'misdeed', from Latin offensus 'annoyance', reinforced by French offense, from Latin offensa 'a striking against, a hurt, or displeasure'; based on Latin offendere 'strike against'

Spelling help

Remember that offence ends with -ence (the spelling offense is American).