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1. Dictionary

   offensive

   /əˈfɛnsɪv/

   adjective

   • 1. causing someone to feel resentful, upset, or annoyed: "the allegations made are deeply offensive to us" Similar insultingrudederogatorydisrespectfulhurtfulwoundingabusiveobjectionabledispleasingannoyingexasperatingirritatingvexinggallingprovocativeprovokinghumiliatingimpertinentimpudentinsolentpersonaldiscourteousuncivilimpoliteunmannerlyunacceptableshockingscandalousoutrageouscrudevulgarcoarseindecentimproperrare:exceptionableOpposite complimentarypolite
   • ▪ (of a sight or smell) disgusting; repulsive: "an offensive odour" Similar unpleasantdisagreeablenastydistastefuldispleasingobjectionableoff-puttinguninvitingawfulterribledreadfulfrightfulobnoxiousabominabledisgustingrepulsiverepellentrepugnantrevoltingabhorrentloathsomehatefuldetestableexecrableodiousvilefoulunsavouryunpalatablesickeningnauseatingnauseousuglyunsightlynoxiousfetidrankrancidmalodorousmephiticinformal:ghastlyhorriblehorridgrossputridsick-makingyuckygodawfulbeastlyboggingon the noseskankyliterary:noisomearchaic:disgustfulloathlyOpposite pleasantdelightful
   • 2. actively aggressive; attacking: "offensive operations against the insurgents" Similar hostileattackingaggressiveinvadingincursivecombativethreateningmartialwarlikebelligerentbellicoseantagonisticon the attackOpposite defensive
   • ▪ (of a weapon) meant for use in attack: "he is also accused of possessing an offensive weapon"
   • ▪ relating to the team in possession of the ball or puck in a game: North American "Shell was an outstanding offensive tackle during his 15 years with the Raiders"

   noun

   • 1. an attacking military campaign: "an impending military offensive against the guerrillas"
   • ▪ an organized and forceful campaign to achieve something, typically a political or social end: "the need to launch an offensive against crime"

   Word Origin mid 16th century: from French offensif, -ive or medieval Latin offensivus, from Latin offens- ‘struck against’, from the verb offendere (see offend).

   Derivatives

   • 1. offensiveness noun

   Scrabble Points: 18

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2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishOFFENSIVE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   offensive adjective (ATTACKING) used for attacking: Since the other side had taken offensive action (= attacked), we had no choice but to defend ourselves. offensive weapon Knives of any kind are classed as offensive weapons. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.

3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › offensiveOffensive Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › offensive

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   The meaning of OFFENSIVE is making attack : aggressive. How to use offensive in a sentence.

4. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishOFFENSIVE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   5 meanings: 1. unpleasant or disgusting, as to the senses 2. causing anger or annoyance; insulting 3. for the purpose of attack.... Click for more definitions.

5. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishoffensive adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   offensive. adjective. /əˈfensɪv/ rude in a way that causes somebody to feel upset or annoyed because it shows a lack of respect. offensive remarks. The programme contains language which some viewers may find offensive. racially offensive language/comments. offensive to somebody His comments were deeply offensive to a large number of single mothers.

6. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishMeaning of offensive – Learner’s Dictionary - Cambridge...

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   OFFENSIVE definition: 1. likely to make people angry or upset: 2. used for attacking: 3. an attack: . Learn more.

7. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › offensiveOffensive - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms - Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › offensive

   Offensive describes rude or hurtful behavior, or a military or sports incursion into an opponent's territory. In any context, "on the offensive" means on the attack. Although offense and defense are opposites, offensive and defensive aren't always. Defensive can mean anxiously challenging of all criticism.

8. www.oed.com › dictionary › offensive_adjoffensive, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford...

   www.oed.com › dictionary › offensive_adj

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   What does the word offensive mean? There are 11 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word offensive, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. offensive has developed meanings and uses in subjects including. military (mid 1500s) religion (mid 1600s) games (1880s) sport (1880s)

9. en.wiktionary.org › wiki › offensiveoffensive - Wiktionary, the free dictionary

   en.wiktionary.org › wiki › offensive

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   Jun 2, 2024 · offensive (comparative more offensive, superlative most offensive) Causing offense; arousing a visceral reaction of disgust, anger, hatred, sadness, or indignation. Antonym: inoffensive

10. www.thefreedictionary.com › offensiveOffensive - definition of offensive by The Free Dictionary

    www.thefreedictionary.com › offensive

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    1. An attitude or position of attack: go on the offensive in chess. 2. A physical or military attack or assault: led a massive military offensive. of·fen′sive·ly adv. of·fen′sive·ness n. Synonyms: offensive, disgusting, loathsome, nasty, odious, repellent, repulsive, revolting, vile.

11. www.dictionary.com › browse › offensiveOFFENSIVE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

    www.dictionary.com › browse › offensive

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    Offensive definition: causing resentful displeasure; highly irritating, angering, or annoying. See examples of OFFENSIVE used in a sentence.