offenceof‧fence British English, offense American English /əˈfens/ ●●● S3 W2 noun 
His solicitor said he committed the offence because he was heavily in debt.offence against sexual offences against children► see thesaurus at crime2[uncountable] when you offend or upset someone by something you do or saycause/give offence The problem was how to say ‘no’ to her without causing offence. Don’t be upset by what he said; he meant no offence (=did not intend to offend anyone).3no offence spoken used to tell someone that you hope that what you are going to say or do will not offend them: No offense, but this cheese tastes like rubber.4take offence (at something) to feel offended because of something someone says or does: I think he took offence at my lack of enthusiasm.5[uncountable] formal the act of attacking: the weapon of offence used during the attackCOLLOCATIONSverbscommit an offence (=do something that is against the law)· He had committed the offence of dangerous driving.charge somebody with an offence· In that year, 367 people were charged with terrorist offences.convict somebody of an offence (=say officially that they are guilty)· The number of women convicted of serious offences is fairly small.admit an offence· He had admitted sex offences against children.phrasesit is an offence to do something· It is an offence to carry a weapon in a public place.an offence punishable by/with something· Possession of the drug is an offence punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment.make something an offence/make it an offence to do something· The Act made it an offence to sell cigarettes to children under 16.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + offencea criminal offence· It is a criminal offence to sell alcohol to someone under the age of 18.a serious offence· serious offences such as murder or armed robberya minor offence· The police cautioned him for a minor offence.a first offence· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison.a lesser offence (=one that is not as serious as another offence)· For rioting you can receive ten years in prison, while for the lesser offence of violent disorder you can receive five years in prison.a federal offense American English (=a very serious offence against the law of the US, rather than against a state’s law)· The turtles are rare, and it is a federal offense to take them to another state.a driving/parking/traffic offence· Speeding is the most common traffic offence.a sex/drug/terrorist etc offence· Thirty-three people were charged with drug offences.a punishable offence (=one that you can be punished for)· Lying in court is a punishable offense.a capital offence (=one for which death is the punishment)· Drug smuggling was made a capital offense in 1987.an arrestable/indictable offence (=one that you can be arrested for or must go to court for)· Indictable offences are tried by a jury in a Crown Court.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Bates is being tried for offences committed in the early 1990s.
- Davies claimed that he did not know he was committing an offence by accessing the website.
- Driving when drunk is a criminal offence.
- Hewson was arrested for a number of minor offences.
- It is an offence for a shopkeeper to sell alcohol to anyone under 18.
- Motorists can be fined on the spot for minor offences, such as speeding.
- Speeding offences are usually punishable by a fine.
- The bill seeks to make it a criminal offence to inflict cruelty on any animal.
- The number of women convicted of serious offences is still relatively small.
- Travelling on the train without a ticket is an offence.
- A second offence carries a life ban.
- He attributed the offence to pressure from his friends to carry the scheme out, when it was thought up.
- He would deck himself out in the kind of clothes that would give most offence to her were she alive.
- It became an offence for anyone in charge of children to allow them to bet in public places or to enter brothels.
- It is an offence for companies to recruit a non-disabled worker when they are below the quota.
- Most of its historical anomalies survive in the present offence.
- That phrase is read narrowly to convict the accused of handling rather than theft, handling being a more serious offence than theft.
THESAURUSillegal actions
noun [countable, uncountable] an illegal action or activity, or these actions in general: · The police need the public’s help to solve crimes.· Crime is on the increase.· It was a horrific crime.
British English, offense American English noun [countable] a crime, especially one that has a particular description and name in law: · It is an offence to drive while using a mobile phone.· a minor offence (=one that is not serious)· a serious offence· a parking offence
noun [countable] American English law a crime that is not very serious: · They pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and were fined.
noun [countable, uncountable] especially American English law a serious crime: · Fewer than 25 percent of the people arrested on felony charges are convicted.· He committed a series of violent felonies.
Longman Language Activatora crime an action that is against the law, for example stealing something, taking drugs, or deliberately hurting someone: · The number of crimes reported in the New York City area has decreased dramatically over the last ten years.commit a crime (=do something that is a crime): · Investigators believe that the crime was committed at around 7.30 p.m.crime against: · He was sentenced to 25 years in prison for rape and other sexual crimes against women.serious crime: · Not surprisingly, the police say that 50% of serious crimes are drug-related.solve a crime (=find out who did it): · The demonstrators called on the governor to make solving the crime a priority.
British /offense American an action that can be punished by law: · Tarrant is now in jail for various offenses, including rape.commit an offence (=do something that is an offence): · Bates is being tried for offences committed in the early 1990s.criminal offence: · Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offense.· The bill seeks to make it a criminal offence to inflict cruelty on any animal.serious offence: · Possession of an unregistered firearm is a serious offense.minor offence (=not very serious): · Hewson was arrested for a number of minor offences.speeding/parking etc offence: · Speeding offences are usually punishable by a fine.
a serious crime such as murder or a violent attack - used especially in the legal system in the US: · Leach was charged with sexual assault, which is a felony in Connecticut.· Johnson was preparing his defense against felony charges of armed robbery and assault.commit a felony: · She denied that she had committed any kind of felony.
a crime that is not very serious - used especially in the legal system in the US: · By the time he was 14, Horowitz already had several misdemeanors on his file.· McFarlane pleaded guilty to four federal misdemeanor charges that he had lied to Congress.commit a misdemeanor: · The court also processes cases of children and youth who have committed misdemeanors or felonies.
an illegal action British /offense American an illegal action for which you can be punished: · Travelling on the train without a ticket is an offence.it is an offence (for somebody) to do something: · It is an offence for a shopkeeper to sell alcohol to anyone under 18.commit an offence (=do something illegal): · Davies claimed that he did not know he was committing an offence by accessing the website.criminal offence: · Driving when drunk is a criminal offence.serious offence: · The number of women convicted of serious offences is still relatively small.minor offence (=not serious): · Motorists can be fined on the spot for minor offences, such as speeding.
an illegal action, especially one that breaks a law that protects someone's rights: infringement of: · The new rule was regarded as an infringement of the free-speech rights of government employees.· an infringement of Article 86 of the Treaty of Rome
an action that breaks a law or agreement, especially one that has been agreed by several different countries - use this about a serious illegal action: violation of: · Any further fighting will be seen as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.flagrant/blatant violation of something (=one that is done without any attempt to hide it): · The United Nations described the invasion as 'a flagrant violation of international law'.gross violation of something (=a very serious violation): · The way they treat women there represents a gross violation of human rights.in violation of something: · The UK government was found to be in violation of the European Convention.
something that a company or government does that breaks a particular law, especially when they do not do it intentionally: breach of: · This is a clear breach of the 1994 Trade Agreement.breach of contract: · Workers who have lost their jobs plan to sue the company for breach of contract.be in breach of something: · In future, six-monthly accounts will be required from those firms that are in breach of the rules.
formal something a business, organization, or government does that breaks a particular law or part of an official agreement: in contravention of something: · Many shops and bars stayed open, in contravention of the Sunday trading laws.contravention of: · It was a clear contravention of EU regulations.
when someone is killed as a punishment to kill someone as a punishment for a serious crime: · King Charles I was executed on 30th January 1649.· The two young men spent 6 months in jail waiting to be executed.execute somebody for something (=because of a particular crime): · This is a backward and cruel society, in which people are executed for homosexuality and adultery.
written to officially arrange for someone that you have power over to be killed - used especially in historical descriptions: · The chief priests wanted to arrest Jesus and put him to death.· No woman had been put to death in the state since the American Revolution.have somebody put to death: · The queen would have people put to death for her own amusement.
the system of killing criminals as a legal punishment: · I don't believe bringing back capital punishment would reduce crime.· Most people that we questioned were against capital punishment.
the legal punishment of being killed for a serious crime: · The death penalty does not exist in Britain.· Do you think they should bring back the death penalty?carry the death penalty (=to be a crime for which the punishment is death): · Murder is one of the few offences that carries the death penalty.
the punishment of death that a judge decides to give to someone who is guilty of a serious crime: receive/be given a death sentence: · He is the youngest person ever to be given a death sentence in San Diego County.
British /capital offense American, also capital crime an offence or crime that will be punished by death: · Drug-smuggling is a capital offence in many countries.
if a criminal is on death row , they are in prison before being killed as punishment for a crime, especially in the US: · Larson has been on death row since 1995 for murdering a taxi driver.
a condemned man, prisoner etc is in prison before he or she is killed as punishment for a crime: · The state allows no communication with a condemned man.· Here are the kitchens where the condemned prisoner's last meal was prepared.
to offend someone to make someone angry or upset by doing something that they think is socially or morally unacceptable or by being rude to them: · The programme contains scenes that may offend older viewers.· She stopped mid-sentence, anxious not to offend him.· He didn't speak during the meeting for fear of saying something that might offend.offend (somebody's) sensibilities: · He is a sensitive man, and it is not difficult to offend his sensibilities.
to make someone very angry and upset, for example by doing something that shows you have little respect for them or do not think that they are very good at something: · In some cultures, you insult your host if you do not accept their offer of food.insult somebody by doing something: · I won't insult you by explaining the rules of the game.insult somebody's intelligence (=treat someone as if they are stupid): · questions that insult the intelligence of the interviewee
British informal to make someone annoyed, especially without intending to: · It really gets my back up when salesmen call round to the house.· He treats everyone like children, and that's why he puts people's backs up.
to offend someone - use this about words or actions that were not intended to offend anyone: · He later appeared on television to apologize for causing offence.cause offence to: · I hope I didn't cause offence to anyone when I left early.cause great offence: · A remark that is considered humorous in one culture can cause great offence in another.
to feel offended · She'll be offended if you don't say thank you for her help.offended by · He's always offended by jokes aimed at Irish people.offended that · He felt offended that she didn't want to go out with him.deeply offended · Some people may find rude jokes funny, but others may be deeply offended.
very angry and upset, for example because someone has done something that shows they have little respect for you or your abilities: · Molly would be insulted if we didn't go and see her while we were in town.insulted by: · Please don't be insulted by anything I say.insulted that: · He felt insulted that they had not told him about the party.deeply insulted: · We must eat as much as possible, or she will be deeply insulted.
offended, especially because someone has not included you in their plans: · The guest list was very short, so no-one felt slighted because they hadn't been invited.
offended and surprised, especially because you feel that you have not been treated fairly: · When she said I was interfering, I was a bit put out.put out about: · She was rather put out about being described as plain.put out by: · The minister was not put out by the note of impatience in Cohen's voice.
to feel offended by something someone says or does, especially something that does not seem serious to other people: · Don't mention her hairstyle. She'll probably take offence.· Please don't take offence, but I would prefer you not to swear in front of the children.take offence at: · He didn't seem to take offence at my lack of enthusiasm for his idea.be quick to take offence: · He described her as a woman who is temperamental and quick to take offence.
to feel offended by something, especially a criticism, even though it was not aimed at one particular person: · Anna took it personally when the boss said some people were not working hard enough.· This is a general criticism, so I hope none of you will take it personally.· I didn't take his rebuff too personally, since I was used to his habit of being rude to his juniors.
to be offended by something someone says or does when it was not intended to offend you and you have understood it in the wrong way: · Daniel sat in silence, afraid whatever he said would be taken the wrong way.· Don't take this the wrong way, but your driving has really improved.
formal to feel offended by something someone says, and to make it clear that you feel this way: · I took exception to what he said about my family.· Paul took exception to her advice, which he said undermined his self-esteem.take great exception to something: · I take great exception to the suggestion that I neglected my responsibilities.
WORD SETSabet, verbaccusation, nounaccuse, verbaffray, nounarson, nounassault, nounassault and battery, nounbackhander, nounbattery, nounbigamy, nounblack market, nounblack marketeer, nounbreak-in, nounbreaking and entering, nouncaper, nouncapital, adjectivecarjacking, nouncat burglar, nouncontract, nouncosh, nouncounterfeit, adjectivecounterfeit, verbcover, nouncrack, verbcriminal, adjectivecriminal, nouncriminal law, nouncriminal record, nouncriminology, nouncrook, nounculpable, adjectiveculprit, noundefamation, noundefraud, verbdelinquency, noundelinquent, adjectivedelinquent, noundesperado, noundisorderly, adjectivedrug baron, noundrug runner, nounDUI, nounembezzle, verbexpropriate, verbextort, verbeyewitness, nounfelon, nounfelony, nounfence, nounfiddle, nounfiddle, verbfiddler, nounfilch, verbfinger, verbfire-raising, nounfirst offender, nounflash, verbflasher, nounforge, verbforger, nounforgery, nounfoul play, nounframe, verbframe-up, nounfratricide, nounfraud, nounfreebooter, noungang, noungang-bang, noungang rape, noungangster, nounGBH, noungenocide, noungetaway, noungodfather, noungrand larceny, noungrass, noungrievous bodily harm, nounheist, nounhijack, verbhijack, nounhijacking, nounhit, nounhit-and-run, adjectivehit man, nounincriminate, verbindecent assault, nounindecent exposure, nouninfanticide, nounjob, nounjoyriding, nounjuvenile delinquent, nounkidnap, verblarceny, nounlibel, nounlibel, verblibellous, adjectivelow life, nounmafioso, nounmalpractice, nounmanslaughter, nounmassacre, nounmassacre, verbmatricide, nounmisappropriate, verbmisconduct, nounmisdeed, nounmisdemeanour, nounmobster, nounmoll, nounmug, verbmugshot, nounmurder, nounmurder, verbmurderer, nounmurderess, nounmuscleman, nounnark, nounnefarious, adjectiveneighbourhood watch, nounnick, verbno-go area, nounoffence, nounoffend, verboffender, nounold lag, nounorganized crime, nounoutlaw, nounparricide, nounpatricide, nounpetty larceny, nounPhotofit, nounpiracy, nounplant, verbpoach, verbpoacher, nounpossession, nounprivateer, nounprotection, nounprowl, verbprowler, nounpublic nuisance, nounpull, verbpunk, nounpurloin, verbraid, nounram-raiding, nounrape, verbrape, nounrapist, nounravish, verbreceiver, nounreceiving, nounrecidivist, nounregicide, nounring, nounringleader, nounriotous, adjectiverob, verbrobber, nounrobbery, nounroll, verbrustler, nounscheme, nounscheme, verbshady, adjectiveshoplift, verbshoplifting, nounslander, nounsmuggle, verbsnout, nounspeeding, nounstabbing, nounstalking, nounstatutory offence, nounstatutory rape, nounsteal, verbstoolpigeon, nounsupergrass, nounsuspect, nounswag, nountheft, nounthief, nounthievish, adjectivetorch, verbtraffic, nountrafficker, nountriad, noununder-the-counter, adjectiveunderworld, nounundesirable, nounvagrancy, nounvandal, nounvandalism, nounvandalize, verbvice, nounvigilante, nounvillainy, nounviolate, verbviolation, nounwanted, adjective
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs their alleged involvement in international terrorism The alleged victim made the complaint at a police station in York. He compounded the offence by calling his opponents liars. He was found guilty of 14 motoring offences. a punishable offence
(=do something that is against the law)· He had committed the offence of dangerous driving.
· In that year, 367 people were charged with terrorist offences.
(=say officially that they are guilty)· The number of women convicted of serious offences is fairly small.
· He had admitted sex offences against children.
phrases· It is an offence to carry a weapon in a public place.
· Possession of the drug is an offence punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment.
· The Act made it an offence to sell cigarettes to children under 16.
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + offence· It is a criminal offence to sell alcohol to someone under the age of 18.
· serious offences such as murder or armed robbery
· The police cautioned him for a minor offence.
· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison.
(=one that is not as serious as another offence)· For rioting you can receive ten years in prison, while for the lesser offence of violent disorder you can receive five years in prison.
American English (=a very serious offence against the law of the US, rather than against a state’s law)· The turtles are rare, and it is a federal offense to take them to another state.
· Speeding is the most common traffic offence.
· Thirty-three people were charged with drug offences.
(=one that you can be punished for)· Lying in court is a punishable offense.
(=one for which death is the punishment)· Drug smuggling was made a capital offense in 1987.
(=one that you can be arrested for or must go to court for)· Indictable offences are tried by a jury in a Crown Court.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES their alleged involvement in international terrorism The alleged victim made the complaint at a police station in York. (=offend/embarrass someone)· How can I refuse the invitation without causing offence?
· People who commit crimes end up in jail.
He compounded the offence by calling his opponents liars. (=a crime)· Cruelty to animals is a criminal offence.
(=an action that breaks the laws on driving)· He had to appear in court for a driving offence.
(=a crime related to having or selling drugs)· Luciani is serving 20 years for drug offences.
(=not intend to harm, offend etc someone) I’m sure he didn’t mean any harm.
I’m sure he didn’t mean any harm. He was found guilty of 14 motoring offences. a punishable offence· Kidnapping is a serious crime.
(=feel offended) Don’t take offence. Roger says things like that to everybody.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE Don’t take offence. Roger says things like that to everybody.· No plea was taken from Mr. Bell in respect of the alleged offence of drunk and disorderly behaviour.· He may still plead not guilty while admitting that he is the person concerned in the alleged offence.
· Further detention can only be authorised in the case of a person who is suspected of having committed a serious arrestable offence.
· Derby's Coleman was sent off late for his second bookable offence.· Middlesbrough fans feared the worst when central defender Nicky Mohan was sent off for a second bookable offence.
· The word from Lilongwe now is that Chihana will be charged with sedition, a capital offence.· Loss of privileges in peacetime; in war, a capital offence.
· Water was so scarce that lawn-sprinkling in the suburbs became a criminal offence.· Eviction without a court order is a criminal offence.· Thus he may decide that although the investigation discloses a criminal offence, no action should be taken in the criminal courts.· From next month, it will be a criminal offence to give false or misleading descriptions of property for sale.· Also, falsely describing goods can amount to a criminal offence under the Trades Description Act 1968.· Failure to comply with this requirement is also a criminal offence.· He had never been charged with any criminal offence.
· He was guilty of this offence when he used the car for his own purposes the following day.· Indeed, it would seem that members of the same family who quarrel in the garden may be guilty of the offence.· He was adjudged guilty of the offence of obstruction.
· Indecency in public displays is and should remain a separate if lesser offence.· His state of mind will help to determine whether he is guilty of murder or the lesser offence of manslaughter.· Or would it be fairer to convict the harm-doer of a lesser offence, thus ignoring the chance result?· If it results in young Pardy being charged with a lesser offence, Deanes will be highly satisfied.· However, of these, 42 percent. pleaded guilty to a lesser offence such as indecent assault.
· Section 5 of the Act creates a relatively minor offence which is likely to be of considerable practical significance.· If he didn't want to go to court for a very minor offence, then you could caution him.
· The new sequence begins with a provocation which, if well directed, generates a new offence from the provoked teacher.· The new offence becomes the occasion for another and now legitimized act of retribution.· The new offence in the Aggravated Vehicle-Taking Bill 1991-1992 raises familiar issues associated with hastily conceived legislation.· Two characteristics of the new offence deserve special attention.· The more important elements of the definition of the new offence are referred to in paragraphs 34-58.· This is not a new offence.· A new general offence of giving a misleading price indication is provided in s20.· Indeed, as the new offence is defined, it creates what is essentially a statutory form of assault.
· Any lying by the debtor during the examination constitutes perjury, which is a serious and punishable offence.· Respirators were a nuisance; it was a punishable offence for any member of the armed forces to be caught without one.
· Any lying by the debtor during the examination constitutes perjury, which is a serious and punishable offence.· He justifies this view on the ground that rape is a very serious offence to which serious penalties attach.· Dismissal following automatically if a third serious offence was committed.· Further detention can only be authorised in the case of a person who is suspected of having committed a serious arrestable offence.· Jailing Murray, Lord Kirkwood described the charge he had been convicted of as a very serious offence.· If, however, their conduct is itself disorderly, they may commit the less serious offence.· This was a serious offence, and she was dismissed.· His most serious offence in that time was taking part in a robbery while armed with a crossbow.
· That is a statutory offence or, more bluntly put, a criminal offence.· It created a statutory offence of riot - 12 or more people using or threatening violence for an unlawful purpose.
VERB· A disclaimer is an obvious and simple device for a trader to use to avoid committing an offence.· The archbishop came back under papal orders to avoid giving offence to the king.· As it was, it was impossible for even the most servile and well-meaning to avoid offence.· But what is to be done by the honest car dealer, i.e. the man who wishes to avoid committing an offence?· The only defence is that the estate agent took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
· He risks being charged with an offence that carries up to five years in jail.· A second offence carries a life ban.· Conviction for such an offence carries a five-year prison sentence.· There is the offence of being carried.· This is an indictable offence which carries a two years' prison sentence.· Section 4 makes it an offence to carry on investment business in contravention of section 3.· That offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, the same period as appears in this mutiny Bill.· This offence carries a power of arrest for a constable who witnesses the obstruction.
· This does not mean that we shall shy away from tackling difficult subjects that may cause offence.· They believe music causes less offence to the listener than direct speech.· On the down side, domestic broadcasters decided to ban any songs or plays that could cause offence.· This appointment was apparently predetermined, and it caused some offence in the profession.· To ignore this can cause great offence.· Inconsiderate smoking can cause considerable offence to the majority of people who do not smoke.· I quite understand that this implication has caused offence or distress to some people, for which I apologise.· It was to cause enormous offence and rock the Empire.
· He risks being charged with an offence that carries up to five years in jail.· The boy, from Witham, Essex, is too young to be charged with a criminal offence.· Thousands of their supporters were charged with the same offence.· He had never been charged with any criminal offence.· If it results in young Pardy being charged with a lesser offence, Deanes will be highly satisfied.
· A youngster may have committed the offence only once.· Did W commit an offence under section 1?· So long as the defendant does not communicate his intention, he commits no offence.· Any civil servant who talks to his or her spouse about work would be committing an offence.· They are men who will have committed an offence within the confines of their family and community.· It was when I was fifteen or sixteen that I committed my first big offence.· The question is: have they on those facts alone committed an offence?· The employer could still commit the offence of using, causing or permitting no insurance.
· Organising or participating in a march in breach of any such condition constitutes an offence.· The official reason was that the painting was obscene and constituted an offence against religion.· Publication to a single person is, impliedly, insufficient to constitute the offence.· Development carried out in contravention of a stop notice constitutes an offence.· Thus where the advertisement constitutes a criminal offence, it would seem pointless to complain to the Director General.· Using a vehicle in contravention of the relevant statutory provisions constitutes a criminal offence.· We might also note that what constitutes an offence in legal terms also changes over time.
· That is, they must convict him of the offence which they think he probably did not commit.
· The whole phrase does not create more than one offence.· Section 5 of the Act creates a relatively minor offence which is likely to be of considerable practical significance.· Section 47 creates the offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.· Much depends upon the statute creating the offence.· This creates an offence of assisting a drug trafficker to retain the benefits of his or her proceeds.· Section 7 does not create an offence which can be the subject matter of an information.· The Government says it will create a new offence of corporate killing.· Section 7 does not create an offence.
· The King's religious policies, strictly applied by Archbishop Laud, gave offence to the Puritan merchants and artisans.· Geoff gave no impression of offence having been transmitted or received.· He would deck himself out in the kind of clothes that would give most offence to her were she alive.· He was sensitive, vulnerable, amazed when his honest truths gave offence.· No need to accept every one of the invitations which kept on being delivered because of Amabel's fear of giving offence.· Glancing at her watch, she wondered if she could slip away soon without giving offence to Edward and Helen.· He gave further offence to some when he edited the Star and Morning Leader from 1890 to 1898.· The archbishop came back under papal orders to avoid giving offence to the king.
· Arrests were made under a state law which makes it a criminal offence to hide ones face at a protest.· But section 2 of the 1911 Act went far beyond spying, making it an offence to disclose or receive official information.· This probably changes the existing law, making the offence more difficult to prove.· They are suggesting that you put country sports with child abuse and drink driving, to make it a criminal offence.· We will make it an offence to supply anabolic steroids to minors.· I know that there has been discussion in the House of Lords, but that makes the offence worse.· Section 4 makes it an offence to carry on investment business in contravention of section 3.· The Act makes it an absolute offence for a shopkeeper to sell cigarettes or any other tobacco product to young people.
· Corbett loved the brilliant logic delivered so tongue-in-cheek that only those who wished to take offence would be affronted.· Poor Mrs Sugden considered we were being very superior, and took offence.· Lane did not take offence at his boss's comment, nor did he slow down.· It is music for the coach trade, at which only the most high-minded purist is likely to take offence.· Would Bonaventure return or take offence at not being fed by him and disappear for ever into the stinking alleyways?· No one will take offence and you might secure win: win.· The driver would have known it was his first time, didn't take offence at the yelling.· Will a merchant kinsman take offence if you buy goods from the co-op?
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
- Any one of your tenants, Sir John, and I mean no offence, could be the assassin.
- But it is not unlawful force, and the intruder is aware that it is not, and no offence is committed.
- I've not spoken to a soul in the last fortnight, except for you - sorry, no offence meant.
- It was held that no offence was committed.
- No flowers, by request; no offence meant, and none taken.
- So long as the defendant does not communicate his intention, he commits no offence.
- There was no offence being committed.
- Unless the circumstances are such that he fears that violence is likely, no offence is committed.
- Corbett loved the brilliant logic delivered so tongue-in-cheek that only those who wished to take offence would be affronted.
- It is music for the coach trade, at which only the most high-minded purist is likely to take offence.
- Lane did not take offence at his boss's comment, nor did he slow down.
- No one will take offence and you might secure win: win.
- Poor Mrs Sugden considered we were being very superior, and took offence.
- The driver would have known it was his first time, didn't take offence at the yelling.
- There was little point in taking offence, and no time to do so in any case.
- Would Bonaventure return or take offence at not being fed by him and disappear for ever into the stinking alleyways?
- Derby's Coleman was sent off late for his second bookable offence.
- Middlesbrough fans feared the worst when central defender Nicky Mohan was sent off for a second bookable offence.
- It is capital crime, and a black disgrace to the races of civilized mankind.
- Loss of privileges in peacetime; in war, a capital offence.
- New capital crimes would include the use of firearms; hostage-taking; torture; sale of drugs to minors and racketeering.
- No government has ever made abortion a capital crime or executed either a pregnant woman or an abortionist for murder.
- The word from Lilongwe now is that Chihana will be charged with sedition, a capital offence.
WORD FAMILYnounoffense/offenseoffenderoffensiveoffensivenessadjectiveoffensive ≠ inoffensiveoffendedoffendingverboffendadverboffensively
1[countable] an illegal action or a crime: His solicitor said he committed the offence because he was heavily in debt.offence against sexual offences against children► see thesaurus at crime2[uncountable] when you offend or upset someone by something you do or saycause/give offence The problem was how to say ‘no’ to her without causing offence. Don’t be upset by what he said; he meant no offence (=did not intend to offend anyone).3no offence spoken used to tell someone that you hope that what you are going to say or do will not offend them: No offense, but this cheese tastes like rubber.4take offence (at something) to feel offended because of something someone says or does: I think he took offence at my lack of enthusiasm.5[uncountable] formal the act of attacking: the weapon of offence used during the attackCOLLOCATIONSverbscommit an offence (=do something that is against the law)· He had committed the offence of dangerous driving.charge somebody with an offence· In that year, 367 people were charged with terrorist offences.convict somebody of an offence (=say officially that they are guilty)· The number of women convicted of serious offences is fairly small.admit an offence· He had admitted sex offences against children.phrasesit is an offence to do something· It is an offence to carry a weapon in a public place.an offence punishable by/with something· Possession of the drug is an offence punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment.make something an offence/make it an offence to do something· The Act made it an offence to sell cigarettes to children under 16.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + offencea criminal offence· It is a criminal offence to sell alcohol to someone under the age of 18.a serious offence· serious offences such as murder or armed robberya minor offence· The police cautioned him for a minor offence.a first offence· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison.a lesser offence (=one that is not as serious as another offence)· For rioting you can receive ten years in prison, while for the lesser offence of violent disorder you can receive five years in prison.a federal offense American English (=a very serious offence against the law of the US, rather than against a state’s law)· The turtles are rare, and it is a federal offense to take them to another state.a driving/parking/traffic offence· Speeding is the most common traffic offence.a sex/drug/terrorist etc offence· Thirty-three people were charged with drug offences.a punishable offence (=one that you can be punished for)· Lying in court is a punishable offense.a capital offence (=one for which death is the punishment)· Drug smuggling was made a capital offense in 1987.an arrestable/indictable offence (=one that you can be arrested for or must go to court for)· Indictable offences are tried by a jury in a Crown Court.