Offence: meaning, definitions and examples

Primarily used in formal contexts or legal language to describe the act of breaking a rule or law. It can also mean an action that causes someone to feel upset or hurt.

• His comments caused great offence to many people.
• He was charged with a serious offence.

Used when someone says or does something that is meant to hurt or offend another person, often directly and personally. It has a strong negative connotation.

• Calling someone lazy is a direct insult.
• She felt deeply insulted by his remarks.

Used to describe a strong feeling of shock and anger, typically over something that is considered to be a serious offense or unacceptable behavior.

• The new policy caused public outrage.
• There was widespread outrage over the corruption scandal.

Used when someone feels openly disrespected or attacked, often in a public or noticeable way. It's typically associated with an event that causes shock or outrage.

• Her refusal to shake hands was seen as a direct affront.
• The decision not to invite him was an affront to his dignity.

Used to express mild to moderate dissatisfaction or annoyance, typically in polite or formal contexts.

• She made no attempt to hide her displeasure with the service.
• His tone clearly conveyed his displeasure.