1 a [noncount] : something that causes a person to be hurt, angry, or upset
▪ She didn't mean to give/cause offense. [=to offend anyone] ▪ I mean no offense [=I do not want to offend anyone], but isn't there someone more qualified for the job? ▪ No offense [=I do not want to offend you when I say this], but I think you are mistaken.
b [count] : something that is wrong or improper — often + to ▪ His actions are an offense to public morals. — often + against ▪ Such language is an offense against common decency. 2 [count] : a criminal act
▪ He was found guilty and fined $250 for each offense. ▪ Penalties for a first offense range from fines to jail time. ▪ a capital/federal/criminal offense ▪ serious/minor offenses 3 /ˈa:ˌfɛns/ US, sports a : the group of players on a team who try to score points or goals against an opponent [count] ▪ Our team has the best offense in the league. ▪ a talented offense ▪ The quarterback directs the offense. [noncount] ▪ 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.
b [noncount] : the way that players on a team try to score points or goals against an opponent
▪ The team needs some work on its offense. ▪ The team plays good offense. — compare defense 6