Offense | Mean of offense in English Dictionary

/əˈfɛns/

• Noun
• something that causes a person to be hurt, angry, or upset
1. She didn't mean to give/cause offense. [=to offend anyone]
2. I mean no offense [=I do not want to offend anyone], but isn't there someone more qualified for the job?
3. No offense [=I do not want to offend you when I say this], but I think you are mistaken.
• something that is wrong or improper
1. His actions are an offense to public morals.
2. Such language is an offense against common decency.
• a criminal act
1. He was found guilty and fined $250 for each offense.
2. Penalties for a first offense range from fines to jail time.
3. a capital/federal/criminal offense
4. serious/minor offenses

• the group of players on a team who try to score points or goals against an opponent
1. Our team has the best offense in the league.
2. a talented offense
3. The quarterback directs the offense.
4. She began the season on offense [=playing on the part of the team that tries to score points or goals], but her coach later put her on defense.
• the way that players on a team try to score points or goals against an opponent
1. The team needs some work on its offense.
2. The team plays good offense.
• to become angry or upset by something that another person has said or done
1. He took offense when I suggested exchanging the gift.
2. She takes offense at any criticism.