B2noun3K

Offender

UK /["/əˈfendə(r)/"]/US /["/əˈfendər/"]/

Definition

a person who commits a crime

In simple words: A person who does something wrong or breaks the law.

Examples

  • a **persistent/serious/violent, etc. offender**
  • a young offender institution
  • He favours tougher punishments for repeat offenders.
  • He spent some time in a young offender institution.
  • Persistent offenders risk losing their licence.
  • The report on sexual discrimination at work shows that some of the worst offenders are women.
  • When it comes to pollution, the chemical industry is a major offender.

Usage notes

Commonly used in legal contexts. More appropriate in formal discussions or written reports about crime than in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

offender + noun (e.g. 'offender type')

Memory hint

Think of 'offend' — someone who offends or breaks rules.

Collocations

  • alleged
  • convicted
  • first
  • sentence
  • main
  • worst

Synonyms

  • criminal
  • lawbreaker
  • wrongdoer
  • transgressor
  • delinquent

Antonyms

  • victim
  • law-abiding citizen

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'defender', mistakenly referring to someone who helps.
  • Using 'offender' for non-criminal violations, like minor rule-breaking.
  • Assuming all offenders are violent; people can offend in various ways.