Offence: meaning, definitions and examples

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offence

[ əˈfɛns ]

^{Context #1}

legal

A breach of a law or rule; an illegal act.

Synonyms

crime, infraction, transgression, violation

Examples of usage

He was charged with several serious criminal offences.
Speeding is a common traffic offence.

^{Context #2}

general

Annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult or disregard for one's feelings.

Synonyms

affront, displeasure, insult, outrage

Examples of usage

His comment caused great offence to many people.
I apologize if I inadvertently caused you any offence.

Translations

Translations of the word "offence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ofensa

🇮🇳 अपराध

🇩🇪 Beleidigung

🇮🇩 pelanggaran

🇺🇦 образа

🇵🇱 obraza

🇯🇵 侮辱 (ぶじょく)

🇫🇷 offense

🇪🇸 ofensa

🇹🇷 hakaret

🇰🇷 모욕

🇸🇦 إهانة

🇨🇿 urážka

🇸🇰 urážka

🇨🇳 冒犯 (màofàn)

🇸🇮 žalitev

🇮🇸 móðgun

🇰🇿 қорлау

🇬🇪 შეურაცხყოფა

🇦🇿 təhqir

🇲🇽 ofensa

Word origin

The word 'offence' originated from the Old French word 'offense', which came from the Latin 'offensus', meaning 'annoyed, offended, hurt'. The use of the word has evolved over time to encompass both legal breaches and personal affronts.

See also: offend, offended, offender, offense, offensive.