Something that is offensive upsets or embarrasses people because it is rude or insulting.
Some friends of his found the play horribly offensive.
...offensive remarks which called into question the integrity of my firm.
offensivelyadverb [ADVERB after verb, oft ADVERB adjective]
The group who had been shouting offensively opened to let her through.
I thought his glance at me had been offensively bold.
2. countable noun
A military offensive is a carefully planned attack made by a large group of soldiers.
Its latest military offensive against rebel forces is aimed at re-opening trade routes. [+ against]
The armed forces have launched offensives to recapture lost ground.
Synonyms: attack, charge, campaign, strike More Synonyms of offensive
3. countable noun
If you conduct an offensive, you take strong action to show how angry you are about something or how much you disapprove of something.
Republicans acknowledged that they had little choice but to mount an all-out offensiveon the Democratic nominee. [+ on]
...a diplomatic offensive.
4. See also charm offensive
5. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
In sports such as American football or basketball, the offensive team is the team which has possession of the ball and is trying to score.
[US]
The worst-ever defeat of this team proved once again that Stanford can be one ofthe most explosive offensive teams in the country.
6.
See go on the offensive
More Synonyms of offensive
offensive in British English
(əˈfɛnsɪv)
adjective
1.
unpleasant or disgusting, as to the senses
2.
causing anger or annoyance; insulting
3.
for the purpose of attack rather than defence
noun
4. the offensive
5.
an assault, attack, or military initiative, esp a strategic one
Derived forms
offensively (ofˈfensively)
adverb
offensiveness (ofˈfensiveness)
noun
offensive in American English
(əˈfɛnsɪv; for adj., also ˈɔˌfɛnsɪv)
adjective
1.
attacking; aggressive
2.
of or for attack
3. US
designating or of the side that is seeking to score in any contest
4.
unpleasant, as to the senses; disgusting; repugnant
an offensive odor
5.
causing resentment, anger, etc.; insulting
noun
6.
attitude or position of attack
often with the
7.
an attack or hostile action, esp. by armed forces
Derived forms
offensively (ofˈfensively)
adverb
offensiveness (ofˈfensiveness)
noun
Word origin
ML offensivus < L offensa, offense
Examples of 'offensive' in a sentence
offensive
There is still room for improvement but we are showing a better offensive style of play.
The Sun (2017)
The French capital has launched yet another charm offensive to woo tourists.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She's been on the charm offensive and it's finally worked.
The Sun (2017)
I didn't find it offensive.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He has received more opportunities this season and is back scoring tries but still, King has gone for his perceived failure to find that offensive spark.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We will see more when they play offensive football.
The Sun (2011)
But he also pledged to launch an offensive against big business.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The first thing was to stay calm and get more energy in the offensive attack.
The Sun (2012)
He hits me with a charm offensive.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
To call the worst of his conduct grotesquely offensive amounts to leniency.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
By all means take some action to curtail offensive activity.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
So at least they found one offensive tool during the raid.
The Sun (2010)
She finds it offensive she is contributing to the fine.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The idea that they might be directly used for political gain is something more offensive.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Obviously we have to be balanced but the philosophy is to play offensive football.
The Sun (2008)
And it is ridiculous because the site has taken down the offensive comments and begged members not to make any more.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The belief in the necessity for an all-out offensive has been replaced by much more limited aims.
McInnes, Colin NATO's Changing Strategic Agenda (1990)
They are all attacking, offensive and quick players.
The Sun (2008)
A diplomatic offensive was no longer thought enough.
Grenville, J. A. S. The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)
Britain is stepping up its cyber defences as the Government acknowledged for the first time yesterday its ability to launch offensive cyber operations.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It was an offensive of little military importance but one which clearly underlined the socio-economic motives of the Nationalist war effort.
Paul Preston The Spanish Civil War: Reaction, Revolution and Revenge
In other languages
offensive
British English: offensive /əˈfɛnsɪv/ ADJECTIVE
Something that is offensive upsets or embarrasses people because it is rude or insulting.
...an offensive remark.
American English: offensive
Arabic: مُسِيءٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: ofensivo
Chinese: 无礼的
Croatian: uvredljiv
Czech: urážlivý
Danish: fornærmende
Dutch: kwetsend
European Spanish: ofensivo
Finnish: vastenmielinen
French: offensif
German: widerlich
Greek: προσβλητικός
Italian: offensivo
Japanese: 嫌な
Korean: 불쾌하게 하는
Norwegian: offensiv
Polish: cuchnący
European Portuguese: ofensivo
Romanian: ofensator
Russian: оскорбительный
Latin American Spanish: ofensivo
Swedish: anstötlig
Thai: ซึ่งทำให้ขุ่นเคือง
Turkish: saldırgan
Ukrainian: образливий
Vietnamese: khó chịu
British English: offensive NOUN
A military offensive is a carefully planned attack made by a large group of soldiers.
Its latest military offensive against rebel forces is aimed at re-opening important trade routes.
American English: offensive
Brazilian Portuguese: ofensiva
Chinese: 进攻军事
European Spanish: ofensiva
French: offensive
German: Offensive
Italian: offensiva
Japanese: 軍事攻勢
Korean: 군사 공격
European Portuguese: ofensiva
Latin American Spanish: ofensiva
Chinese translation of 'offensive'
offensive
(əˈfɛnsɪv)
adj
[remark, behaviour]无(無)礼(禮)的 (wúlǐ de)
(US, Sport) 攻方的 (gōngfāng de)
n(c)
(Mil) 进(進)攻 (jìngōng) (次, cì)
to be offensive to sb得罪某人 (dézuì mǒurén)
offensive weapon进(進)攻性武器 (jìngōngxìng wǔqì)
to go on the offensive采(採)取攻势(勢) (cǎiqǔ gōngshì)
1 (adjective)
Definition
causing annoyance or anger
offensive remarks about minority groups
Synonyms
insulting
One of the workers made an insulting remark to a supervisor.
rude
He's rude to her friends.
abusive
He was alleged to have used abusive language.
embarrassing
slighting
slighting references to her age
annoying
irritating
degrading
affronting
contemptuous
She gave a contemptuous little laugh and walked away.
disparaging
He was alleged to have made disparaging remarks.
displeasing
objectionable
an objectionable, stuck-up young woman
disrespectful
People shouldn't treat each other in this disrespectful way.
scurrilous
scurrilous rumours
detestable
discourteous
Staff are often discourteous and sometimes downright rude.
uncivil
The shock of being addressed in such an uncivil tone was too much.
unmannerly
Opposites
civil
,
polite
,
conciliatory
,
respectful
,
courteous
,
deferential
2 (adjective)
Definition
unpleasant or disgusting to the senses
the offensive smell of manure
Synonyms
disgusting
The curry was disgusting.
gross
nasty
It's got a really nasty smell.
foul
foul, polluted water
unpleasant
an unpleasant taste of cheap coffee
revolting
The smell in the cell was revolting.
stinking
sickening
This was a sickening attack on a defenceless creature.
vile
the vile smell of mouldy cheese
repellent
She still found the place repellent.
unsavoury
The sport has long been associated with unsavoury characters.
obnoxious
The people at my table were so obnoxious, I had to leave.
unpalatable
I began to learn the unpalatable truth about John.
objectionable
disagreeable
a disagreeable odour
nauseating
The judge described the offences as nauseating and unspeakable.
odious
He's the most odious man I have ever met.
repugnant
His actions were improper and repugnant.
loathsome
the loathsome spectacle we were obliged to witness
abominable
The President described the attack as an abominable crime.
grotty (slang)
detestable
I find their poor work ethic detestable.
noisome
Noisome vapours arise from the mud left in the docks
yucky or yukky (slang)
festy (Australian, slang)
yucko (Australian, slang)
Opposites
attractive
,
charming
,
pleasant
,
delightful
,
captivating
,
agreeable
3 (adjective)
Definition
for the purpose of attack rather than defence
The troops were in an offensive position.
Synonyms
attacking
threatening
aggressive
Some cows are more aggressive than others.
striking
hostile
invading
combative
Lockhart was famed for his combative style and scathing wit.
Opposites
defensive
(noun)
Definition
an attack or hostile action
The armed forces have launched an offensive to recapture lost ground.
Synonyms
attack
a campaign of air attacks on strategic targets
charge
He led the cavalry charge from the front.
campaign
The General's campaign against the militia has so far failed.
strike
a nuclear strike
push (informal)
All that was needed was one final push, and the enemy would be vanquished once and for all.
rush
Throw something noisy and feign a rush at him.
assault
The rebels are poised for a new assault.
raid
The rebels attempted a surprise raid on a military camp.
drive
the drive towards democracy
invasion
seven years after the Roman invasion of Britain
onslaught
a military onslaught against the rebels
foray
She made her first forays into politics.
incursion
armed incursions into border areas by rebel forces
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abominable
Definition
very bad or unpleasant
The President described the attack as an abominable crime.
Synonyms
detestable,
shocking,
terrible (informal),
offensive,
foul,
disgusting,
horrible,
revolting,
obscene,
vile,
horrid,
repellent,
atrocious,
obnoxious,
despicable,
repulsive,
base,
heinous,
hellish (informal),
odious,
hateful,
repugnant,
reprehensible,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
contemptible,
villainous,
nauseous,
wretched,
accursed,
execrable,
godawful (slang)
in the sense of abusive
Definition
rude or insulting
He was alleged to have used abusive language.
Synonyms
insulting,
offensive,
rude,
degrading,
scathing,
maligning,
scolding,
affronting,
contemptuous,
disparaging,
castigating,
reviling,
vilifying,
invective,
scurrilous,
defamatory,
insolent,
derisive,
censorious,
slighting,
libellous,
upbraiding,
vituperative,
reproachful,
slanderous,
traducing,
opprobrious,
calumniating,
contumelious
in the sense of aggressive
Definition
full of anger or hostility
Some cows are more aggressive than others.
Synonyms
hostile,
offensive,
destructive,
belligerent,
unkind,
unfriendly,
malevolent,
contrary,
antagonistic,
pugnacious,
bellicose,
two-fisted,
quarrelsome,
aggro (Australian, New Zealand),
aggers (Australian, slang),
biffo (Australian, slang),
inimical,
rancorous,
ill-disposed,
arsey (British, Australian, New Zealand, slang)
Synonyms of 'offensive'
offensive
Explore 'offensive' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of assault
Definition
a violent attack, either physical or verbal
The rebels are poised for a new assault.
Synonyms
attack,
campaign,
strike,
rush,
storm,
storming,
raid,
invasion,
charge,
offensive,
onset,
onslaught,
foray,
incursion,
act of aggression,
inroad
in the sense of campaign
Definition
a number of operations aimed at achieving a single objective
The General's campaign against the militia has so far failed.
Synonyms
operation,
drive,
attack,
movement,
push,
offensive,
expedition,
crusade,
jihad
in the sense of charge
Definition
an onrush or attack
He led the cavalry charge from the front.
Synonyms
attack,
rush,
assault,
onset,
onslaught,
stampede,
sortie
in the sense of combative
Lockhart was famed for his combative style and scathing wit.
Synonyms
aggressive,
militant,
contentious,
belligerent,
antagonistic,
pugnacious,
warlike,
carnivorous (informal),
bellicose,
truculent,
quarrelsome,
aggers (Australian, slang)
in the sense of contemptuous
Definition
showing or feeling strong dislike or disrespect
She gave a contemptuous little laugh and walked away.
Synonyms
scornful,
insulting,
arrogant,
withering,
sneering,
cavalier,
condescending,
haughty,
disdainful,
insolent,
derisive,
supercilious,
high and mighty,
on your high horse (informal),
contumelious
in the sense of detestable
I find their poor work ethic detestable.
Synonyms
hateful,
shocking,
offensive,
disgusting,
revolting,
obscene,
vile,
obnoxious,
despicable,
repulsive,
abhorred,
heinous,
odious,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abominable,
accursed,
execrable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of disagreeable
Definition
(of an incident or situation) unpleasant
a disagreeable odour
Synonyms
nasty,
offensive,
disgusting,
unpleasant,
distasteful,
horrid (informal),
repellent,
unsavoury,
obnoxious,
unpalatable,
displeasing,
repulsive,
objectionable,
repugnant,
uninviting,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of discourteous
Definition
showing bad manners
Staff are often discourteous and sometimes downright rude.
Synonyms
rude,
abrupt,
curt,
disrespectful,
brusque,
offhand,
boorish,
bad-mannered,
insolent,
impolite,
ungentlemanly,
ungracious,
uncivil,
ill-bred,
unmannerly,
ill-mannered,
uncourteous
in the sense of disparaging
He was alleged to have made disparaging remarks.
Synonyms
contemptuous,
damaging,
critical,
slighting,
offensive,
insulting,
abusive,
scathing,
dismissive,
belittling,
unfavourable,
derogatory,
unflattering,
scornful,
disdainful,
defamatory,
derisive,
libellous,
slanderous,
deprecatory,
uncomplimentary,
fault-finding,
contumelious (literary)
in the sense of disrespectful
People shouldn't treat each other in this disrespectful way.
Synonyms
contemptuous,
insulting,
rude,
cheeky,
irreverent,
bad-mannered,
impertinent,
insolent,
impolite,
impudent,
discourteous,
uncivil
Additional synonyms
in the sense of drive
Definition
a special effort made by a group of people for a particular purpose
the drive towards democracy
Synonyms
campaign,
push (informal),
crusade,
action,
effort,
appeal,
advance,
surge
in the sense of foray
Definition
a short raid or incursion
She made her first forays into politics.
Synonyms
raid,
sally,
incursion,
inroad,
attack,
assault,
invasion,
swoop,
reconnaissance,
sortie,
irruption
in the sense of foul
Definition
full of dirt or offensive matter
foul, polluted water
Synonyms
dirty,
rank,
offensive,
nasty,
disgusting,
unpleasant,
revolting,
contaminated,
rotten,
polluted,
stinking,
filthy,
tainted,
grubby,
repellent,
squalid,
repulsive,
sullied,
grimy,
nauseating,
loathsome,
unclean,
impure,
grotty (slang),
fetid,
grungy (slang),
putrid,
malodorous,
noisome,
scuzzy (slang),
skanky (slang),
mephitic,
olid,
yucky or yukky (slang),
festy (Australian, slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of incursion
Definition
an inroad or encroachment
armed incursions into border areas by rebel forces
Synonyms
foray,
raid,
invasion,
penetration,
infiltration,
inroad,
irruption
in the sense of invasion
Definition
the act of invading with armed forces
seven years after the Roman invasion of Britain
Synonyms
attack,
assault,
capture,
takeover,
raid,
offensive,
occupation,
conquering,
seizure,
onslaught,
foray,
appropriation,
sortie,
annexation,
incursion,
expropriation (formal),
inroad,
irruption,
arrogation
in the sense of loathsome
Definition
causing loathing
the loathsome spectacle we were obliged to witness
Synonyms
hateful,
offensive,
nasty,
disgusting,
horrible,
revolting,
obscene,
vile,
obnoxious,
repulsive,
nauseating,
odious,
repugnant,
abhorrent,
abominable,
execrable,
detestable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of nasty
Definition
unpleasant
It's got a really nasty smell.
Synonyms
disgusting,
unpleasant,
dirty,
offensive,
foul,
horrible,
polluted,
filthy,
sickening,
vile,
distasteful,
repellent,
obnoxious,
objectionable,
disagreeable,
nauseating,
odious,
repugnant,
loathsome,
grotty (slang),
malodorous,
noisome,
unappetizing,
skanky (slang),
mephitic,
yucky or yukky (slang),
festy (Australian, slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of nauseating
The judge described the offences as nauseating and unspeakable.
Synonyms
disgusting,
offensive,
appalling,
nasty,
foul,
revolting,
sickening,
ghastly,
vile,
obnoxious,
repulsive,
odious,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
stomach-churning,
stomach-turning,
repellant,
sick-making
in the sense of noisome
Definition
(of smells) offensive
Noisome vapours arise from the mud left in the docks
Synonyms
disgusting,
offensive,
foul,
stinking,
smelly,
reeking,
noxious,
fetid,
putrid,
malodorous,
mephitic,
niffy (British, slang),
olid,
festy (Australian, slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of objectionable
Definition
offensive or unacceptable
an objectionable, stuck-up young woman
Synonyms
offensive,
annoying,
irritating,
unacceptable,
unpleasant,
rude,
intolerable,
undesirable,
distasteful,
obnoxious,
deplorable,
displeasing,
unseemly,
disagreeable,
repugnant,
abhorrent,
beyond the pale,
insufferable,
detestable,
discourteous,
uncivil,
unmannerly,
exceptionable,
dislikable or dislikeable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of obnoxious
Definition
extremely unpleasant
The people at my table were so obnoxious, I had to leave.
Synonyms
loathsome,
offensive,
nasty,
foul,
disgusting,
unpleasant,
revolting,
obscene,
sickening,
vile,
horrid (informal),
repellent,
repulsive,
objectionable,
disagreeable,
nauseating,
odious,
hateful,
repugnant,
reprehensible,
abhorrent,
abominable,
insufferable,
execrable,
detestable,
hateable,
dislikable or dislikeable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of odious
Definition
offensive or hateful
He's the most odious man I have ever met.
Synonyms
offensive,
nasty,
foul,
disgusting,
horrible,
unpleasant,
revolting,
obscene,
sickening,
vile,
horrid,
repellent,
unsavoury,
obnoxious,
unpalatable,
repulsive,
disagreeable,
nauseating,
hateful,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
execrable,
detestable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of onslaught
Definition
a violent attack
a military onslaught against the rebels
Synonyms
attack,
charge,
campaign,
strike,
rush,
assault,
raid,
invasion,
offensive,
blitz,
onset,
foray,
incursion,
onrush,
inroad
in the sense of push
Definition
a special effort to achieve something
All that was needed was one final push, and the enemy would be vanquished once and for all.
Synonyms
effort,
charge,
attack,
campaign,
advance,
assault,
raid,
offensive,
sally,
thrust,
blitz,
onset
in the sense of raid
Definition
a sudden surprise attack
The rebels attempted a surprise raid on a military camp.
Synonyms
attack,
invasion,
seizure,
onset,
foray,
sortie,
incursion,
surprise attack,
hit-and-run attack,
sally,
inroad,
irruption
in the sense of repellent
Definition
disgusting or distasteful
She still found the place repellent.
Synonyms
disgusting,
offensive,
revolting,
obscene,
sickening,
distasteful,
horrid (informal),
obnoxious,
repulsive,
noxious,
nauseating,
odious,
hateful,
repugnant,
off-putting (British, informal),
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
cringe-making (British, informal),
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang),
discouraging
in the sense of repugnant
Definition
offensive or disgusting
His actions were improper and repugnant.
Synonyms
distasteful,
offensive,
foul,
disgusting,
revolting,
sickening,
vile,
horrid (informal),
repellent,
obnoxious,
objectionable,
nauseating,
odious,
hateful,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of revolting
Definition
horrible and disgusting
The smell in the cell was revolting.
Synonyms
disgusting,
shocking,
offensive,
appalling,
nasty,
foul,
horrible,
obscene,
sickening,
distasteful,
horrid (informal),
repellent,
obnoxious,
repulsive,
nauseating,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
nauseous,
cringe-making (British, informal),
noisome,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of rude
Definition
insulting or impolite
He's rude to her friends.
Synonyms
impolite,
insulting,
cheeky,
abrupt,
short,
blunt,
abusive,
curt,
churlish,
disrespectful,
brusque,
offhand,
impertinent,
insolent,
inconsiderate,
peremptory,
impudent,
discourteous,
uncivil,
unmannerly,
ill-mannered
in the sense of rush
Throw something noisy and feign a rush at him.
Synonyms
attack,
charge,
push (informal),
storm,
assault,
surge,
onslaught
Additional synonyms
in the sense of scurrilous
Definition
untrue or unfair, insulting, and designed to damage a person's reputation
scurrilous rumours
Synonyms
slanderous,
scandalous,
defamatory,
low,
offensive,
gross,
foul,
insulting,
infamous,
obscene,
abusive,
coarse,
indecent,
vulgar,
foul-mouthed,
salacious,
ribald,
vituperative,
scabrous,
Rabelaisian
in the sense of sickening
Definition
causing horror or disgust
This was a sickening attack on a defenceless creature.
Synonyms
disgusting,
revolting,
vile,
offensive,
foul,
distasteful,
repulsive,
nauseating,
loathsome,
nauseous,
gut-wrenching,
putrid,
stomach-turning (informal),
cringe-making (British, informal),
noisome,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of slighting
slighting references to her age
Synonyms
insulting,
offensive,
disparaging,
derogatory,
belittling,
scornful,
disrespectful,
disdainful,
supercilious,
uncomplimentary
in the sense of strike
Definition
a military attack, esp. an air attack on a target on land or at sea
a nuclear strike
Synonyms
attack,
bombing,
assault,
air strike,
blitz
in the sense of uncivil
Definition
impolite, rude or bad-mannered
The shock of being addressed in such an uncivil tone was too much.
Synonyms
impolite,
rude,
bad-mannered,
surly,
gruff,
churlish,
bearish,
disrespectful,
brusque,
boorish,
uncouth,
discourteous,
ill-bred,
unmannerly,
ill-mannered
in the sense of unmannerly
Definition
lacking manners
Synonyms
bad-mannered,
rude,
misbehaved,
disrespectful,
uncouth,
impolite,
discourteous,
uncivil,
ill-bred,
badly behaved,
ill-mannered
in the sense of unpalatable
Definition
(of a fact, idea, etc.) unpleasant and hard to accept
I began to learn the unpalatable truth about John.
Synonyms
unpleasant,
distasteful,
disagreeable,
bitter,
offensive,
unattractive,
horrid (informal),
unsavoury,
displeasing,
repugnant
in the sense of unpleasant
Definition
not pleasant or agreeable
an unpleasant taste of cheap coffee
Synonyms
unappetizing,
disgusting,
revolting,
bitter,
offensive,
foul,
sour,
rotten (informal),
sickening,
vile,
unsavoury,
unpalatable,
nauseating,
repugnant,
off-putting,
unappealing,
rancid,
uninviting,
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of unsavoury
Definition
objectionable or distasteful
The sport has long been associated with unsavoury characters.