- The definition of offensive is something likely to invoke feelings of hurt, anger, disgust, disapproval or revulsion, or is something associated with an aggressive attack.
- Calling someone an idiot is an example of a comment that would be described as offensive.
- Making a plan to attack a country is an example of planning an offensive attack.
- Offensive is an organized campaign or plan of action, normally created by the military or created to achieve some specific political aim or goal.
- A military plan to attack is an example of a military offensive.
- A plan to fight the war on drugs is an example of an offensive.
- attacking; aggressive
- of or for attack
- ⌂ designating or of the side that is seeking to score in any contest
- unpleasant, as to the senses; disgusting; repugnant: an offensive odor
- causing resentment, anger, etc.; insulting
Origin of offensiveMedieval Latin offensivus ; from Classical Latin offensa, offense
- attitude or position of attack: often with the
- an attack or hostile action, esp. by armed forces
- a. Causing anger, displeasure, or resentment: an offensive gesture.b. Disagreeable to the senses: an offensive odor.
- a. Making a physical or military attack: The offensive troops gained ground quickly.b. Of, relating to, or designed for attack: offensive weapons.
- Sports Of or relating to a team having possession of a ball or puck: an offensive rush.
- An attitude or position of attack: go on the offensive in chess.
- A physical or military attack or assault: led a massive military offensive.
(comparative more offensive, superlative most offensive)
- Causing offense; arousing a visceral reaction of disgust, anger, or hatred.
- Some feminists find pornography offensive.
- Relating to an offense or attack, as opposed to defensive.
- The army's offensive capabilities. An offensive weapon.
- (team sports) Having to do with play directed at scoring.
- The offensive coordinator is responsible for ordering all rushing plays.
- Nouns to which "offensive" is often applied: content, material, language, word, comment, remark, statement, speech, joke, humor, image, picture, art, behavior, conduct, act, action.
- When the second syllable is emphasized, "offensive" is defined as "insulting". When the first syllable is emphasized, it refers to the attacker of a conflict or the team in a sport who possesses the ball.
(countable and uncountable, plural offensives)
- (countable, military) An attack.
- The Marines today launched a major offensive.
- (uncountable) The posture of attacking or being able to attack.
- He took the offensive in the press, accusing his opponent of corruption.