Definition

A person who commits a crime or breaks a law.

Example

The judge sentenced the offender to five years in prison.

Conversation

Did you hear about that recent case involving a young offender?

Yeah, it’s really sad how some people end up in trouble at such a young age.

I know, right? I wonder what led them to become an offender in the first place.

It makes you think about the support systems that are lacking for these kids.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Offender → It is formed from "offend" (from Old French *ofendre*, meaning to strike against or harm) and "-er" (meaning a person who). An offender is a person who strikes against the law or causes harm.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'strikes against' ('offend') the rules — the '-er' just means a person. This helps you remember that an offender is someone who breaks the law.

Visually Confused Words