Main Entry: ¹of·fen·sive

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈfen(t)-siv, especially for 1 ˈä-ˌfen(t)-, ˈȯ-\

Function: adjective

Date: circa 1564

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
2 : giving painful or unpleasant sensations : nauseous, obnoxious <an offensive odor>
3 : causing displeasure or resentment <offensive remarks>

— of·fen·sive·ly adverb

— of·fen·sive·ness noun