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Offenses
Definitions
(2)
1
noun
Acts
that
break
a
law
or
rule
,
often
resulting
in
punishment
or
legal
action
.
The
judge
listed
the
offenses
committed
by
the
defendant
.
Minor
offenses
may
result
in
a
fine
rather
than
jail
time
.
The
new
policy
aims
to
reduce
traffic
offenses
in
the
city
.
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Word games
2
noun
Actions
or
behaviors
that
cause
someone
to
feel
hurt
,
upset
,
or
insulted
.
She
apologized
for
any
offenses
her
comments
might
have
caused
.
He
took
offense
at
the
remark
about
his
work
.
The
comedian's
jokes
were
meant
to
entertain
,
not
to
cause
offense
.
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Word games
Word Origin
Language
Latin
Original word
offensa
Originally meant
a striking against, a stumbling
Background
The word 'offense' comes from the Latin 'offensa', meaning a striking against or stumbling. It entered English through Old French in the late Middle Ages, reflecting both legal and personal senses.