offensive
UK: əˈfɛnsɪv | US: əˈfɛnsɪv
adj. causing displeasure, resentment, or anger; insulting
adj. relating to an attack or aggressive action (e.g., in sports or military)
n. an attacking strategy or action
offensive = offens<to strike against> + ive<adjective suffix>
- offens: Derived from Latin offendere ("to strike against, displease"), combining ob- (against) + fendere (to strike).
- ive: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating "having the nature of" (from Latin -ivus).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin offendere, which originally meant "to hit or stumble upon." Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean "to displease" or "provoke anger." The suffix -ive was added in Middle English to form the adjective, emphasizing the word's dual sense of aggression (physical or verbal) and causing resentment.
His offensive remarks during the meeting upset many colleagues.
The team switched to an offensive strategy in the second half.
The smell from the factory was highly offensive to nearby residents.
The general planned a major offensive to reclaim the territory.
She found the joke deeply offensive and walked out.