offensive

1 of 2

adjective

of·​fen·​sive ə-ˈfen(t)-siv How to pronounce offensive (audio)
especially for sense 1
ˈä-ˌfen(t)- How to pronounce offensive (audio)
ˈȯ-
1
a
: making attack : aggressive
The bear made offensive movements.
b
: of, relating to, or designed for attack
offensive weapons
c
: of or relating to an attempt to score in a game or contest
offensive maneuvers
also : of or relating to a team in possession of the ball or puck
offensive linemen
2
: giving painful or unpleasant sensations : nauseous, obnoxious
an offensive odor
3
: causing displeasure or resentment
offensive remarks
offensively adverb
offensiveness noun

offensive

2 of 2

noun

1
: the act of an attacking party
2
: attack

Examples of offensive in a Sentence

Adjective He made some offensive remarks. An offensive odor was coming from the basement. Noun the primary offensive by the ground forces will commence at dawn tomorrow
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The Ukrainian president said his forces should be supported with weapons and financial assistance that goes into weapons production to withstand two more Russian offensive campaigns. Brendan Cole john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 When Weissert followed by walking pinch-hitter Carlos Cortes, and third baseman Brett Harris clubbed a go-ahead RBI single, Cora rushed out to stem the bleeding; with virtually zero offensive production from his lineup, waiting for Weissert was a luxury the Red Sox could not afford. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
Israel's offensive against Hamas in Gaza since then has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in the enclave, who warn that famine is setting in. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 The Israeli military began a ground offensive in Gaza City, the Israel Defense Forces said on Tuesday. ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for offensive

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French offensif, borrowed from Medieval Latin offensīvus "used for attacking, causing injury," from Latin offensus, past participle of offendere "to strike against, break a rule, offend" + -īvus -ive

Noun

derivative of offensive entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1687, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of offensive was circa 1564

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offensive. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

offensive

1 of 2 adjective
of·​fen·​sive ə-ˈfen(t)-siv How to pronounce offensive (audio)
1
a
: relating to or made or suited for attack
offensive weapons
b
: of or relating to the attempt to score in a game or contest
the offensive team
2
: causing painful or unpleasant sensations
an offensive smell
3
: causing displeasure or resentment
an offensive remark
offensively adverb
offensiveness noun

offensive

2 of 2 noun
1
: the state or attitude of one who is making an attack
on the offensive
2

Legal Definition

offensive

adjective
of·​fen·​sive ə-ˈfen-siv How to pronounce offensive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or designed for attack
offensive weapons
2
: causing displeasure or resentment
especially : contrary to a particular or prevailing sense of what is decent, proper, or moral
depicted sexual acts in a patently offensive way
see also obscene
offensively adverb
offensiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on offensive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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