offensive
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From French offensif, from Latin as if *offensivus, from offendere (“to offend”), past participle offensus; see offend.
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Adjective
offensive (comparative more offensive, superlative most offensive)
- Causing offense; arousing a visceral reaction of disgust, anger, or hatred
- Some feminists find pornography offensive.
- Relating to an offense or attack, as opposed to defensive.
- The army's offensive capabilities. An offensive weapon.
- (team sports) Having to do with play directed at scoring.
- The offensive coordinator is responsible for ordering all rushing plays.
[edit] Usage notes
- Nouns to which "offensive" is often applied: content, material, language, word, comment, remark, statement, speech, joke, humor, image, picture, art, behavior, conduct, act, action.
[edit] Synonyms
- invidious (Intending to cause envious offense)
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
causing offense
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team sports: having to do with play directed at scoring
[edit] Noun
offensive (countable and uncountable; plural offensives)
- (countable, military) An attack.
- The Marines today launched a major offensive.
- (uncountable) The posture of attacking or being able to attack.
- He took the offensive in the press, accusing his opponent of corruption.
[edit] Translations
an attack
posture of attack
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[edit] External links
- offensive in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- offensive in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
[edit] French
[edit] Adjective
offensive
- feminine form of offensif
[edit] Noun
offensive f. (plural offensives)
- An offensive (military attack).
[edit] Italian
[edit] Adjective
offensive f.
- Feminine plural form of offensivo
[edit] Noun
offensive f.
- Plural form of offensiva.
