1. a crime or illegal act
Usage: British spelling; American spelling is ‘offense’
2. something that causes hurt feelings or displeasure
Usage: British spelling; American spelling is ‘offense’
3. the feeling of being hurt or annoyed
Usage: British spelling; American spelling is ‘offense’

Examples

• He was charged with a minor traffic offence.
• The company committed several environmental offences.
• I meant no offence by my comment.
• She took offence at his rude behavior.
• The joke caused great offence to many people.
• He apologized for any offence he may have caused.
• The law treats this as a serious criminal offence.