Dictionary
1offensive
adjective of·fen·sive \ə-ˈfen(t)-siv, especially for 1 ˈä-ˌfen(t)-, ˈȯ-\
: causing someone to feel hurt, angry, or upset : rude or insulting
: very unpleasant
sports : of or relating to the way that players try to score against an opponent in a game or contest
Full Definition of OFFENSIVE
1
a : making attack : aggressive b : of, relating to, or designed for attack <offensive weapons> c : of or relating to an attempt to score in a game or contest; also : of or relating to a team in possession of the ball or puck
3
: causing displeasure or resentment <offensive remarks>
— of·fen·sive·ly adverb
— of·fen·sive·ness noun
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First Known Use of OFFENSIVE
circa 1564
Related to OFFENSIVE
- Synonyms
- abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, rancid, repellent (also repellant), repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly
- Antonyms
- innocuous, inoffensive
2offensive
noun
: a large military attack
Full Definition of OFFENSIVE
1
: the act of an attacking party
2
: attack
See offensive defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of OFFENSIVE
1687
Related to OFFENSIVE
OFFENSIVENESS Defined for Kids
1offensive
adjective of·fen·sive \ə-ˈfen-siv\
Definition of OFFENSIVE for Kids
1
: causing displeasure or resentment <an offensive smell> <an offensive question>
2
: of or relating to the attempt to score in a game or contest <the offensive team>
3
: made for or relating to an attack <offensive weapons> <an offensive strategy>
— of·fen·sive·ly adverb
— of·fen·sive·ness noun
2offensive
noun
Definition of OFFENSIVE for Kids
: 2attack 1 <The enemy launched an offensive.>
— on the offensive
: in a situation that calls for opposing action <The soldiers are on the offensive.>
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