offensive

[ uh-fen-siv or for 4, 5, aw-fen-, of-en- ]
/ əˈfɛn sɪv or for 4, 5, ˈɔ fɛn-, ˈɒf ɛn- /

adjective

noun

the position or attitude of aggression or attack: to take the offensive.
an aggressive movement or attack: a carefully planned naval offensive.

Origin of offensive

1540–50; < Medieval Latin offēnsīvus, equivalent to Latin offēns(us) past participle of offendere (see offend) + -īvus -ive

SYNONYMS FOR offensive

1 displeasing, vexatious, vexing, unpleasant. See hateful.
2, 3 distasteful, disgusting, revolting, repellent.
3 repulsive, shocking.
4 invading, attacking.

ANTONYMS FOR offensive

1, 2 pleasing.
4 defensive.

usage note for offensive

The label Offensive is used in this dictionary to indicate that a particular term or definition is likely to be perceived as insulting by a listener or reader—an affront to that particular individual or to an entire group of like individuals—whether or not an offense was intended. Offensive is often paired with the label Disparaging used to indicate that those people who use the offensive term do so to offend intentionally.

OTHER WORDS FROM offensive

Words nearby offensive

offenbach, offence, offend, offense, offenseless, offensive, offer, offer document, offer price, offering, offering price

British Dictionary definitions for non-offensive

offensive
/ (əˈfɛnsɪv) /

adjective

unpleasant or disgusting, as to the senses
causing anger or annoyance; insulting
for the purpose of attack rather than defence

noun

the offensive an attitude or position of aggression
an assault, attack, or military initiative, esp a strategic one

Derived forms of offensive

offensively, adverb offensiveness, noun