Meaning & Definition of Offensive in English
English⟶
Offensive
/əfɛnsɪv/
noun
1. The action of attacking an enemy
synonym:
- offense,
- offence,
- offensive
adjective
1. Violating or tending to violate or offend against
- "Violative of the principles of liberty"
- "Considered such depravity offensive against all laws of humanity"
synonym:
- offensive,
- violative
2. For the purpose of attack rather than defense
- "Offensive weapons"
synonym:
- offensive
3. Causing anger or annoyance
- "Offensive remarks"
synonym:
- offensive
4. Morally offensive
- "An unsavory reputation"
- "An unsavory scandal"
synonym:
- unsavory,
- unsavoury,
- offensive
5. Unpleasant or disgusting especially to the senses
- "Offensive odors"
synonym:
- offensive
6. Substitute a harsher or distasteful term for a mild one
- "`nigger' is a dysphemistic term for `african-american'"
synonym:
- dysphemistic,
- offensive
7. Causing or able to cause nausea
- "A nauseating smell"
- "Nauseous offal"
- "A sickening stench"
synonym:
- nauseating,
- nauseous,
- noisome,
- queasy,
- loathsome,
- offensive,
- sickening,
- vile
Examples of using
The politician's speech was offensive.
Your attitude towards women is offensive.