offensive

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   unpleasant or disgusting especially to the senses

   offensive odors

2. 2
   adj

   causing anger or annoyance

   offensive remarks

3. 3
   adj

   for the purpose of attack rather than defense

   offensive weapons

4. 4
   adj

   Causing offense; arousing a visceral reaction of disgust, anger, hatred, sadness, or indignation.

   Some people find pornography offensive.

5. 5
   adj

   Relating to an offense or attack, as opposed to defensive.

   The army's offensive capabilities. An offensive weapon.

6. 6
   adj

   Having to do with play directed at scoring.

   The offensive coordinator is responsible for ordering all rushing plays.

7. 7
   noun

   An attack.

   The Marines today launched a major offensive.

8. 8
   noun

   The posture of attacking or being able to attack.

   He took the offensive in the press, accusing his opponent of corruption.

Etymology

From Middle French offensif, from offendre + -if by analogy with défensif. Offendre is from Latin offendere (“to offend”); see offend.