Offender

Definition

Offender typically refers to a person who has committed a crime or a serious breach of conduct, or someone or something causing difficulty or harm.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈfɛndər/
• Respelling: uh-FEN-der (with "uh" as in "but," "FEN" as in "fence," and "der" as in "butter")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈfɛndə/
• Respelling: uh-FEN-duh (similar to American English, with "uh" as in "but," "FEN" as in "fence," and "duh" as in "butter")

In both dialects, "offender" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "FEN." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "uh-FEN-der" and "uh-FEN-duh."

Etymology

The term "offender" originates from the Middle English word "offenden", which was derived from the Latin "offendere", meaning "to hit, strike against".

Derivatives

• Offend
• Offense
• Offensive
• Offensively
• Offensiveness

Synonyms

• Culprit
• Delinquent
• Perpetrator

Antonyms

• Victim
• Innocent
• Non-offender

Usage

"Offender" is often utilized in legal and societal contexts to indicate an individual who has committed a crime or misdeed.

• The young offender was given a second chance by the judge.
• Repeat offenders are more likely to face severe penalties.
• The company was seen as the main offender in the environmental disaster.

Related Terms

• Crime
• Misdemeanor
• Felony

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Criminal or Wrongdoer: An individual who has committed an illegal act or wrong.‍
• Example: The police quickly identified the offender and made an arrest.

• Causing Difficulty or Harm: A person or thing responsible for causing harm, difficulty, or inconvenience.‍
• Example: Carbon emissions are the biggest offenders when it comes to climate change.

• Breach of Conduct: Someone who violates a particular code of conduct, especially social or moral behavior.‍
• Example: He was labeled an offender after the inappropriate comments he made.