Offense Meaning
Offense Definition & Usage
An act, statement, or behavior that causes hurt, resentment, or violation of social norms or laws.
Examples
- "His rude comment was seen as a personal offense by many of the guests."
- "The new law was considered an offense to civil liberties."
- "She took offense at his remarks about her appearance."
- "In some cultures, interrupting someone while they are speaking is considered a grave offense."
- "It is a criminal offense to drive under the influence of alcohol."
In sports, an offensive action is one in which a team or player attempts to score or attack, typically in contrast to defense.
Examples
- "The offense struggled to score in the second half of the game."
- "The quarterback executed a brilliant offensive play."
- "Her offense was unstoppable in the final minutes of the match."
- "The team’s offense was quick and aggressive, constantly putting pressure on the defense."
- "He was the captain of the offense, leading the team to victory."
To insult, affront, or cause someone to feel hurt, disrespected, or offended.
Examples
- "His actions offended her deeply, even though he didn’t intend to."
- "She felt offended by the way he ignored her ideas in the meeting."
- "It wasn’t my intention to offend you, but I realize I may have."
- "I didn't mean to offend anyone with my comment about the food."
- "Her behavior offended the entire group, making it difficult for her to be accepted."
Cultural Context
'Offense' comes from the Latin 'offensa,' meaning a blow or strike, which was extended metaphorically to mean something that injures or insults. Over time, the word has evolved into a broader concept encompassing legal, social, and emotional violations. It has deep cultural significance in areas such as etiquette, law, and sports.
The Misunderstanding
Story
The Misunderstanding
Tom had always considered himself a laid-back person. But when Sarah made that offhand comment about his cooking skills, it hit a nerve. It wasn’t just about the food — it was about the way she dismissed his effort. ‘How could you say that?’ Tom thought, his face flushing with embarrassment and anger. He had spent hours preparing that dinner, and here she was, laughing at it. It wasn’t just a joke; it was an offense to everything he had worked for. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,’ Sarah apologized, noticing his frown. But Tom wasn’t ready to forgive. Her words had cut deeper than she could ever understand. Later, in the heat of the moment, Tom confided in his best friend about the incident. ‘She didn’t just joke about my cooking,’ he said. ‘She offended me. It wasn’t just about the meal. It felt like she was dismissing me as a person.’ His friend nodded sympathetically. ‘I get it. Sometimes we don’t realize how much weight our words carry. What she said was a harmless comment to her, but to you, it felt like an attack.’ Tom paused and thought about his friend's words. Maybe he was overreacting. He didn’t want to hold a grudge. The next day, he called Sarah and said, ‘I think I overreacted. Let’s put it behind us.’ She was relieved, and they both laughed about it later. But in Tom’s mind, he had learned an important lesson: offense isn’t always intentional, but it’s how we handle it that matters the most.
