offense

offense [ə fens′; ] also, and for n. 7 always, [ô′fens΄]

n.

[ME < MFr < L offensa < pp. of offendere: see OFFEND]

1. an offending; specif.,

a) the act of breaking a law; sin or crime; transgression

b) the act of creating resentment, hurt feelings, displeasure, etc.

2. the condition of being offended, esp. of feeling hurt, resentful, or angry; umbrage

3. Rare something that causes sinning or wrongdoing

4. something that causes resentment, anger, etc.

5. the act of attacking or assaulting; aggression

6. the person, army, etc. that is attacking

☆ 7. Sports

a) a team when it is attempting to score against an opponent in any contest

b) the ability to score against an opposing team

c) the strategy, plays, etc. used in attempting to score against an opposing team

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give offense

to offend; anger, insult, etc.

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on offense

Sports engaged in an attempt to score against an opposing team

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take offense

to become offended; feel hurt, angry, etc.

SYN.- OFFENSE implies displeased or hurt feelings as the result of a slight, insult, etc. [don't take offense at my criticism ]; RESENTMENT adds implications of indignation, a brooding over an injury, and ill will toward the offender [a resentment cherished for days ]; UMBRAGE implies offense or resentment at being slighted or having one's pride hurt [he took umbrage at the tone of her letter ]; PIQUE suggests a passing feeling of ruffled pride, usually over a trifle; DISPLEASURE may describe a feeling varying from dissatisfaction or disapproval to anger and indignation