Offence
Noun
UK
/əˈfens/
US
/əˈfens/
Definition
An action or statement that causes hurt, anger, or disrespect.
Example
"She took offence at his words."
"The comment caused offence because it ignored her feelings and made her feel unimportant in the conversation."
"In some situations, what one person sees as a joke may feel like a serious offence to someone else."
Explanation
Offence means an action, word, or behaviour that upsets, hurts, or annoys someone. It can happen when a person feels disrespected or treated unfairly. Sometimes offence is not meant, but people still feel hurt by what was said or done. The word is also used in law to mean a crime or illegal action. In daily life, offence usually refers to emotional hurt rather than breaking the law. Understanding others’ feelings helps avoid causing offence.