Offender

əˈfɛndər

Meaning & Definition

noun
a person who commits a crime or an illegal act.
The court found the offender guilty of robbery.
someone who breaks a law or rule.
Traffic offenders can face heavy fines and penalties.
a person who has committed a moral or social offense.
He was considered an offender after his actions at the charity event.
an individual who violates a code of conduct.
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

Slang Meanings

bad apple
He's a real bad apple, always getting into trouble.
criminal
Don't hang out with him; he's a criminal.