Offence
/əˈfɛns/noun
An illegal act or a breach of a rule or law.
Did you know?In medieval times, an 'offence' was not just a crime, but a serious breach of honor that could invoke vengeance!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhergh-
“to rise, to elevate, hence the idea of overcoming or striking down.”
Latin
Latin
offendere
“to strike against, to harm, to offend.”
Old French
Old French
offens
“a violation or transgression.”
Middle English
Middle English
offence
“a breach of the law or moral rule.”
Modern English
English
offence
“an act of offending; a wrongful act.”