offensive

¹of·fen·sive

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

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

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

Examples of OFFENSIVE

1. He made some offensive remarks.
2. An offensive odor was coming from the basement.

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

Related Words

exceptionable, objectionable; brackish, disagreeable, dislikable (also dislikeable), unpleasant; contemptible, despicable, detestable, hard, hateful; unhealthy, unsavory, unwholesome; execrable, lousy, miserable; atrocious, frightful, ghastly, grim, grisly, gruesome (also grewsome), heinous, horrendous, horrific, horrifying, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, sick, sickish, sickly, terrible, unspeakable, vile; off-putting, undesirable, unwanted, unwelcome; barbarous, unchristian, uncivilized, ungodly, unholy; distressing, disturbing, upsetting

Near Antonyms

acceptable, agreeable, alluring, appealing, attractive, blessed (also blest), congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, desirable, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, gratifying, heavenly, inviting, likable (or likeable), luscious, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, welcome; unexceptionable, unobjectionable; healthful, healthy, restorative, salubrious, salutary, wholesome

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical

²offensive

noun

Definition of OFFENSIVE

1

: the act of an attacking party

2

: attack

Examples of OFFENSIVE

1. <the primary offensive by the ground forces will commence at dawn tomorrow>

First Known Use of OFFENSIVE

1687

Related to OFFENSIVE

Synonyms

aggression, assault, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offense (or offence), attack, onset, onslaught, raid, rush, strike

Related Words

ambuscade, ambush; counteraggression, counterassault, counterattack, counteroffensive, counterstrike; sally, sortie; envelopment, flanking; breakthrough, foray, incursion, invasion; pillage, ravage, sack; air raid, bombardment, bombing; siege, storm; barrage, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, volley; whammy

Near Antonyms

defense, defensive, guard, shield; opposition, resistance; protection, security, shelter

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical

Rhymes with OFFENSIVE

defensive, intensive