Offensive

/əˈfɛn.sɪv/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The action of attacking or advancing towards an enemy.

The army prepared for an offensive that would change the course of the battle.

An attack or offensive move in a game or sport.

The coach praised the players for their effective offensive play in the second half.

adjective

Causing someone to feel upset, annoyed, or hurt.

His offensive comments during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.

Being in a position to attack or cause damage.

The military launched an offensive operation to reclaim the territory.

Relating to or designed for use in aggression; aggressive.

The team's offensive strategy focused on overpowering the opponent.

From the Latin 'offensus', the past participle of 'offendere', meaning 'to strike against'.

offensive language

Language that is rude, vulgar, or objectionable.

offensive remarks

Comments that are likely to upset or anger people.

take offense

To feel hurt or upset by something that someone says or does.

defensive

Intended to defend or protect.

attack

To take aggressive action against someone.

insult

To speak to or treat with disrespect.

provocation

An action that causes someone to become angry or incited.

Offends someone deeply to the point of causing outrage.

That joke was totally offensive; you can't say things like that.

Used humorously to describe something that pushed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

His offensive style of comedy isn’t for everyone.