offensive

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Likely to upset or anger people; rude or insulting.

   The joke was offensive and several guests walked out.

2. 2
   adj

   Very unpleasant to the senses, especially the smell.

   An offensive smell came from the old drain.

3. 3
   adj

   Used for attacking rather than defending.

   The treaty banned the use of offensive weapons.

4. 4
   noun

   A planned military attack.

   The army launched a major offensive at dawn.

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

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