offender
The judge sentenced the offender to five years in prison.
The person who broke the law received a five-year prison sentence.
a person who commits a crime or wrongdoing
The offender was arrested after the robbery.
The person who committed the robbery was taken into custody.
First-time offenders may receive lighter sentences.
People who commit crimes for the first time often get less severe punishments.
Used in legal contexts to describe someone who has broken the law.
a person or thing that causes harm or problems
The new policy was an offender of common sense.
The new policy made no logical sense.
Often used humorously or metaphorically to describe something that causes trouble.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Legal vs. Informal Use
In legal contexts, 'offender' specifically refers to someone who has committed a crime. Avoid using it for minor infractions or non-criminal issues.
Gold Rule
Avoid Misuse
Do not use 'offender' to describe someone who has simply made a mistake or caused minor inconvenience unless in a clearly humorous or metaphorical context.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'offendour', from Old French 'ofendre' (to offend), from Latin 'offendere' (to strike against, displease), from 'ob-' (against) + 'fendere' (to strike).
Usage Notes
The term is neutral in legal contexts but can carry negative connotations in everyday speech. Avoid using it to describe minor or unintentional mistakes.