Offensive
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /əˈfɛnsɪv/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Offensive is an adjective meaning Causing offense; arousing a visceral reaction of disgust, anger, hatred, sadness, or indignation.
Meaning
Causing offense; arousing a visceral reaction of disgust, anger, hatred, sadness, or indignation.
More Meanings
- Relating to an offense or attack, as opposed to defensive.
- (sports) Having to do with play directed at scoring.
- (countable, military) An attack.
- (uncountable) The posture of attacking or being able to attack.
Example Sentences
An offensive smell.
Some people find pornography offensive.
The Marines today launched a major offensive.
The army's offensive capabilities. An offensive weapon.
Word Forms
- offencive
- offensives
Synonyms for offensive
Depending on context, synonyms include aggressive, invidious, unheard-of, obscene, wicked, abhorrent.
Antonyms for offensive
Common opposites include inoffensive, defensive, savoury, unoffending, euphemistic, savory.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include outrageous, insulting, abusive, obnoxious, scornful, opprobrious.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.