1of·fen·sive 
/əˈfɛnsɪv/ adjective
/əˈfɛnsɪv/ adjective 1 [more offensive; most offensive] : causing someone to feel hurt, angry, or upset : rude or insulting
▪ He made some offensive remarks. ▪ offensive words/terms — often + to ▪ The song lyrics are offensive to women. [=women are offended by the song lyrics] ▪ His behavior is offensive to many people. — opposite inoffensive 2 [more offensive; most offensive] : very unpleasant
▪ An offensive odor was coming from the basement. 3 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
▪ an offensive position/strategy ▪ an offensive lineman/player — compare 1defensive 3 4 always used before a noun : relating to or designed for attacking an enemy
▪ The troops will take offensive action against the enemy. ▪ We studied their offensive maneuvers and anticipated the attack. ▪ offensive weapons — compare 1defensive 1
▪ He made some offensive remarks. ▪ offensive words/terms — often + to ▪ The song lyrics are offensive to women. [=women are offended by the song lyrics] ▪ His behavior is offensive to many people. — opposite inoffensive
▪ An offensive odor was coming from the basement.
▪ an offensive position/strategy ▪ an offensive lineman/player — compare 1defensive 3
▪ The troops will take offensive action against the enemy. ▪ We studied their offensive maneuvers and anticipated the attack. ▪ offensive weapons — compare 1defensive 1
— of·fen·sive·ly adverb
▪ Offensively, the team is strong.
▪ Offensively, the team is strong.
— of·fen·sive·ness noun [noncount]
▪ the offensiveness of his remarks
▪ the offensiveness of his remarks
