offensive

¹of·fen·sive

adj
\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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Military Terms

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