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offensive

1 offensive ˈfɛnsɪv/ adjective
1 offensive
ˈfɛnsɪv/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of OFFENSIVE
[more offensive; most offensive] : causing someone to feel hurt, angry, or upset : rude or insulting
often + to
opposite inoffensive
[more offensive; most offensive] : very unpleasant
always used before a noun, sports : of or relating to the way that players try to score against an opponent in a game or contest
compare 1defensive 3
always used before a noun : relating to or designed for attacking an enemy
compare 1defensive 1

— offensively

adverb

— offensiveness

noun [noncount]
2 offensive ˈfɛnsɪv/ noun
plural offensives
2 offensive
ˈfɛnsɪv/
noun
plural offensives
Britannica Dictionary definition of OFFENSIVE
[count]
: a large military attack usually singular
often used figuratively
see also counteroffensive

on the offensive

: in or into a situation or position in which you attack or fight against someone or something

take the offensive

: to begin to attack or fight against someone or something