Meaning of offence In English

• 0 an illegal act; a crime:

  • a serious/minor offence

  • a criminal/drink-driving offence

  • Driving without a licence is an offence.

  • He committed several serious offences.

  • It's the third time that he's been convicted of a drug offence.

• 1 upset and hurt or annoyed feelings, often because someone has been rude or shown no respect:

  • I really didn't mean (to cause/give) any offence (= did not intend to upset anyone) - I was just stating my opinion.

  • Do you think he took offence (= was upset) at what I said about his hair?

  • No offence, but I find your sister a little rude.

  • If you don't mind, I'd rather go on my own - no offence intended, but I think it would be better.

• 2 the part of a game such as American football that involves trying to score points, or the players who try to score points

• 3 an illegal act or crime:

  • It is a criminal offence to mislead customers about the price of an item.

  • a serious/major/minor offence

  • be/become an offence It became an offence for British citizens to offer bribes for business contracts anywhere in the world.

  • commit an offence In practising as a solicitor without being duly qualified, he committed an offence.

  • be accused of/found guilty of/convicted of an offence She was convicted of drug offences.

• 4 feelings of being upset and angry, often because someone has been rude:

  • This advertisement may cause offence in some markets.

  • She took offence at the way the assistant spoke to her.

• 5 a wrong action that you can lose your job for:

  • Drinking alcohol while on duty is a sackable offence.