Meaning & Definition of word "Offender"

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    Offender

    əˈfɛndər

    noun:

    • 1. a person who commits a crime or an illegal act.
      • Example: The court found the offender guilty of robbery.
    • 2. someone who breaks a law or rule.
      • Example: Traffic offenders can face heavy fines and penalties.
    • 3. a person who has committed a moral or social offense.
      • Example: He was considered an offender after his actions at the charity event.
    • 4. an individual who violates a code of conduct.
      • Example: The school has a strict policy regarding offenders who bully other students.

    Etymology

    Middle English, 'offendour', from Old French 'offendour' and from Latin 'offensorem', meaning 'to strike against'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    repeat offender:

    A person who repeatedly commits offenses.

    first-time offender:

    A person who is committing an offense for the first time.

    status offender:

    A person who has committed an act that would not be a crime if they were an adult.

    Related Words

    crime:

    An act that violates a law.

    punishment:

    A penalty inflicted for wrongdoing.

    rehabilitation:

    The process of re-educating or restoring an offender's ability to function in society.

    Slang Meanings of offender

    Meaning: bad apple

    Example Sentence: He's a real bad apple, always getting into trouble.

    Meaning: criminal

    Example Sentence: Don't hang out with him; he's a criminal.