You meant to say the verb emphasizes the 2nd syllable and the noun the 1st. There are very few people who actually know that rule (if it can be called such), and it can answer a lot of questions.
In the case of "offense," though, the word is properly pronounced with the pronunciation on the 2nd syllable (except in the case of sports). As for "harass" and "harassment," the traditional pronunciation places the accent on the 1st syllables, despite the rule you cited above.
How about PO-lice, and DEE-troit? :-)
>> You meant to say the verb emphasizes the 2nd syllable and the noun the 1st. <<
Yes, of course.
>> In the case of "offense," though, the word is properly pronounced with the pronunciation on the 2nd syllable (except in the case of sports). <<
Yes, that is odd... I'd say when "offense" and "defense" refer to an agent, the first syllable is accentuated, but when they reply to an effect, the second syllable is accentuated.
"The Germans were clearly on the DEfense, but their deFENSEs were inadequate."
The deFENCE rests.
Oh, drat... :^D