the.com/offense

means An action or remark that breaks a rule, attacks someone, or wounds their dignity — and also, confusingly, the attacking side in sports.

from From Latin offendere, 'to strike against' — a fusion of ob- ('against, toward') and *fendere ('to strike, dash'), the same root buried in 'defend' and 'fend off.' So offense and defense are etymological siblings, both descended from the same ancient notion of striking — one throws the blow, the other wards it off. The word passed through Old French offense before settling into English still carrying its bruise.