Meaning & Definition of word "Offensive"

Offensive

/əˈfɛn.sɪv/

1. The action of attacking or advancing towards an enemy.
- Example: The army prepared for an offensive that would change the course of the battle.
2. An attack or offensive move in a game or sport.
- Example: The coach praised the players for their effective offensive play in the second half.

1. Causing someone to feel upset, annoyed, or hurt.
- Example: His offensive comments during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.
2. Being in a position to attack or cause damage.
- Example: The military launched an offensive operation to reclaim the territory.
3. Relating to or designed for use in aggression; aggressive.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: Offends someone deeply to the point of causing outrage.

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

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

Example Sentence: His offensive style of comedy isn’t for everyone.