Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

offensive

adjective (ATTACKING)
 
 
/əˈfen.sɪv/

Definition

used for attacking: Since the other side had taken offensive action (= attacked), we had no choice but to defend ourselves. Knives of any sort are classed as offensive weapons.Violent or aggressiveUnkind, cruel and unfeelingTreating people or animals badlyArms and munitions in general offensively
 
 
/-li/ adverb
(Definition of offensive adjective (ATTACKING) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“offensive” in other dictionaries

Word of the Day

ride (out) the storm

to manage not to be destroyed, harmed or permanently affected by the difficult situation you...

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More