offensive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the action of attacking an enemy
    offense; offence.
  2. adjective satellite violating or tending to violate or offend against
    violative.
    • violative of the principles of liberty
    • considered such depravity offensive against all laws of humanity
  3. adjective for the purpose of attack rather than defense
    • offensive weapons
  4. adjective causing anger or annoyance
    • offensive remarks
  5. adjective morally offensive
    unsavoury; unsavory.
    • an unsavory reputation
    • an unsavory scandal
  6. adjective unpleasant or disgusting especially to the senses
    • offensive odors
  7. adjective substitute a harsher or distasteful term for a mild one
    dysphemistic.
    • `nigger' is a dysphemistic term for `African-American'
  8. adjective satellite causing or able to cause nausea
    queasy; vile; nauseous; loathsome; sickening; noisome; nauseating.
    • a nauseating smell
    • nauseous offal
    • a sickening stench

WordNet

Of*fen"sive adjective
Etymology
Cf.F. offensif. See Offend.
Definitions
  1. Giving offense; causing displeasure or resentment; displeasing; annoying; as, offensive words.
  2. Giving pain or unpleasant sensations; disagreeable; revolting; noxious; as, an offensive smell; offensive sounds. "Offensive to the stomach." Bacon.
  3. Making the first attack; assailant; aggressive; hence, used in attacking; -- opposed to defensive; as, an offensive war; offensive weapons. Syn. -- Displeasing; disagreeable; distasteful; obnoxious; abhorrent; disgusting; impertinent; rude; saucy; reproachful; opprobrious; insulting; insolent; abusive; scurrilous; assailant; attacking; invading. -- Of*fen"sive*ly, adv. -- Of*fen"sive*ness, n.
Of*fen"sive noun
Definitions
  1. The state or posture of one who offends or makes attack; aggressive attitude; the act of the attacking party; -- opposed to defensive.

Webster 1913