1. people who commit crimes or break laws
Usage: plural of offender
2. people who do something wrong or cause displeasure
Usage: broader sense beyond legal context

Examples

• The prison houses both first-time and repeat offenders.
• Young offenders are often given community service instead of jail time.
• The judge sentenced the offenders to pay restitution to their victims.
• Traffic offenders must attend a safety course.
• The worst offenders in the cheating scandal were expelled from school.
• Environmental offenders face heavy fines for illegal dumping.
• The rehabilitation program helps offenders reintegrate into society.