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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Offense Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：hurtful behavior (offense)

offense 🔊

/əˈfɛns/

A behavior that makes someone feel hurt or upset.

hurtful behavior 🔊

➕

/ˈhɜːrtfəl bɪˈheɪvjər/

An action or remark that causes someone to feel angry, upset, or insulted.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'offensa' (strike against), from 'ob' (against) + 'fendere' (to strike).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'I OF-FENSE my friend by saying the F-word' — linking the sound 'fense' to 'fence' (barrier) and hurt.

📖 Example

At the party, his joke about her cooking caused offense, and she left the room quietly. 🔊 At the party, his joke about her cooking caused offense, and she left the room quietly.

🔗 Collocations

take offense – To feel hurt or annoyed by something

cause offense – To make someone feel upset or insulted

give offense – To offend someone intentionally or unintentionally

🔄 Synonyms

insult (n.) – A disrespectful or scornful remark or action that offends someone.

affront (n.) – An action or statement that causes deliberate offense.

slight (n.) – An insult caused by showing lack of respect or attention.

🚫 Antonyms

compliment (n.) – A polite expression of praise or admiration.

praise (n.) – Expression of approval or admiration for someone or something.

🌱 Derivatives

offend (v.) – To cause someone to feel hurt, upset, or angry.

offensive (adj.) – Causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry.

offender (n.) – A person who commits an illegal act or causes offense.

📖 Cultural Story

In modern English, 'offense' is central to social etiquette and legal systems. It reflects the dual human concerns of emotional harm and rule-breaking.

Meaning 2：illegal act (offense)

offense 🔊

/əˈfɛns/

An act that breaks the law.

illegal act 🔊

➕

/ɪˈliːɡəl ækt/

An action that breaks a law or rule and is punishable by the legal system.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Driving over the speed limit is a traffic offense that can result in a fine. 🔊 Driving over the speed limit is a traffic offense that can result in a fine.

🔗 Collocations

traffic offense – A violation of traffic laws, such as speeding or running a red light.

criminal offense – A serious illegal act that is punishable by law, such as theft or assault.

minor offense – A less serious violation of the law, often resulting in a small fine or warning.

🔄 Synonyms

crime (n.) – An action or omission that constitutes an offense punishable by law.

violation (n.) – The act of breaking or disregarding a law, rule, or agreement.

infraction (n.) – A minor violation of a law, rule, or agreement.

🚫 Antonyms

compliance (n.) – The act of obeying a law, rule, or request.

legality (n.) – The quality or state of being in accordance with the law.

🌱 Derivatives

offend (v.) – To break a law or rule.

offensive (adj.) – Relating to the act of attacking or being aggressive in a military context, or causing displeasure.

offender (n.) – A person who commits an illegal act.