Definitions for offensive
əˈfɛn sɪv or, for 4,5 , ˈɔ fɛn-, ˈɒf ɛn-of·fen·sive

Princeton's WordNet(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. offense, offence, offensiveadjective

   the action of attacking an enemy

2. offensive, violativeadjective

   violating or tending to violate or offend against

   "violative of the principles of liberty"; "considered such depravity offensive against all laws of humanity"

3. offensiveadjective

   for the purpose of attack rather than defense

   "offensive weapons"

4. offensiveadjective

   causing anger or annoyance

   "offensive remarks"

5. unsavory, unsavoury, offensiveadjective

   morally offensive

   "an unsavory reputation"; "an unsavory scandal"

6. offensiveadjective

   unpleasant or disgusting especially to the senses

   "offensive odors"

7. dysphemistic, offensiveadjective

   substitute a harsher or distasteful term for a mild one

   "`nigger' is a dysphemistic term for `African-American'"

8. nauseating, nauseous, noisome, queasy, loathsome, offensive, sickening, vileadjective

   causing or able to cause nausea

   "a nauseating smell"; "nauseous offal"; "a sickening stench"

Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. offensivenoun

   An attack.

   The Marines today launched a major offensive.

   Etymology: From offensif, from as if *, from offendere, past participle offensus; see offend.

2. offensivenoun

   The posture of attacking or being able to attack.

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

   Etymology: From offensif, from as if *, from offendere, past participle offensus; see offend.

3. offensiveadjective

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

   Some feminists find pornography offensive.

   Etymology: From offensif, from as if *, from offendere, past participle offensus; see offend.

4. offensiveadjective

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

   The army's offensive capabilities. An offensive weapon.

   Etymology: From offensif, from as if *, from offendere, past participle offensus; see offend.

5. offensiveadjective

   Having to do with play directed at scoring.

   The offensive coordinator is responsible for ordering all rushing plays.

   Etymology: From offensif, from as if *, from offendere, past participle offensus; see offend.

Military Dictionary and Gazetteer(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. offensive

   Used in attack; assailant; opposed to defensive; as, an offensive weapon or engine. Making the first attack; assailant; invading: opposed to defensive; as, an offensive war.

How to pronounce offensive?

1. Alex

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

How to say offensive in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of offensive in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of offensive in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of offensive in a Sentence

1. Saad Maan:

   Security forces are reinforcing their positions and setting three defensive lines around Ramadi to repel any attempts by terrorists to launch further attacks, all these three defensive lines will become offensive launch-pads once we determine the zero hour to liberate Ramadi.

2. Bob Menendez:

   We all know that it may be the intent of someone not to have any large-scale, long-term offensive combat troops, but that intention can honestly change along the way.

3. Alexander Borodai:

   A big offensive by the Ukrainian troops will mean many casualties among civilians, I am sorry, as well as among the military ... One cannot say Russia doesn't care about Donbass people. Therefore there is a chance Russia won't leave people in the (rebel-led) republics in need.

4. Brett McGurk:

   ISIL's offensive has been halted, its ability to mass and maneuver forces degraded, its leadership cells pressured or eliminated.

5. Thomas Tobin:

   I regret that my comments yesterday about Pride Month have turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community, that certainly was not my intention, but I understand why a good number of individuals have taken offense. I also acknowledge and appreciate the widespread support I have received on this matter.

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