noun
offense
The players or tactics used to score against an opponent.
The team's offense moves the ball quickly and creates scoring opportunities.
Etymology
The word developed an attacking sense alongside its uses for wrongdoing. In sport, offense identifies the side or actions directed toward breaking through and scoring.
More examples
- The coach designs an offense built around short passes.
- Both offenses struggle to score in the rain.
- She leads the offense with sharp passes and quick shots.
Forms
offense · offenses
offensive adjective — Used to attack or score points.
Similar words
- attack
- Emphasizes active attempts to score rather than the players involved.