The meaning of OFFENSIVE is making attack : aggressive. How to use offensive in a sentence.

1. An attitude or position of attack: go on the offensive in chess. 2. A physical or military attack or assault: led a massive military offensive.

The word ' lady ' has connotations of refinement and excessive femininity that some women find offensive. There were those who found the joke offensive, but Johnson insisted it was just a bit of …

offensive, adj. & n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Definition of offensive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Jan 20, 2026 · offensive (comparative more offensive, superlative most offensive) Causing offense; arousing a visceral reaction of disgust, anger, hatred, sadness, or indignation.

Offensive refers to something that is disagreeable, unpleasant, insulting, or causing discomfort or resentment due to its inappropriate, disrespectful, or hurtful nature.

of or relating to offense or attack, as in war or games, etc.:[usually: before a noun] a good offensive strategy. n. the position or strategy of attacking:[uncountable; usually: the + ~] to take the offensive; …

OFFENSIVE definition: causing resentful displeasure; highly irritating, angering, or annoying. See examples of offensive used in a sentence.

Offensive describes rude or hurtful behavior, or a military or sports incursion into an opponent's territory. In any context, "on the offensive" means on the attack.