One entry found for
offense.
Main Entry:
of·fense 
Variant(s):
or of·fence /
-
fen(t)s, especially for sense 2
äf-
en(t)s, 
f-/
Function:
noun
1 : something that offends
2 a : an act of attacking
: ASSAULT b : the method of attacking or attempting to score in a game or contest
c : the side that is attempting to score
3 a : the act of offending <I meant no
offense>
b : the state of being offended <takes
offense at any criticism>
4 a : a violation of a social or moral code
b : a breaking of the law
synonyms OFFENSE,
SIN,
VICE,
CRIME mean a violation of law.
OFFENSE applies to the breaking of any law, rule, or code <students will be expelled for major
offenses>.
SIN applies especially to a breaking of moral law <the
sin of greed>.
VICE applies to a habit that degrades or ruins <one of their worst
vices was gambling>.
CRIME applies to a serious offense punishable by the law of the state <robbery is a
crime>.