offensive

Pluraloffensives

1. 1
   adjective

   Likely to upset, anger, or disgust people.

   Like a bad smell that makes everyone in the room turn away.

   Many viewers found the joke offensive and complained to the channel.

   He apologized for his offensive remarks about her family.

   Similarinsulting, rude, objectionable, hurtful, abusive

   Oppositeinoffensive

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Used for attacking rather than for defending or protecting.

   Like a boxer throwing punches instead of blocking them.

   The army launched an offensive operation deep into enemy land.

   Their offensive tactics caught the defenders off guard.

   Similarattacking, aggressive

   Oppositedefensive

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   A planned military attack made against an enemy.

   Like a big push forward in a game to take the lead.

   The army began its offensive at dawn.

   A surprise offensive forced the enemy to retreat.

   Similarattack, assault, campaign, push, onslaught

   Note
4. 4
   adjective

   Used for the part of a game where a team tries to score.

   Like the players who run toward the goal to score, not the ones guarding it.

   Their offensive play improved after the new coach arrived.

   The team needs a strong offensive strategy to win games.

   Similarattacking

   Oppositedefensive

   Note
5. 5
   noununcountable

   A position in which someone is attacking or ready to attack.

   Like a chess player who keeps attacking instead of waiting.

   After weeks of waiting, the team finally went on the offensive.

   She stayed on the offensive throughout the whole debate.

   Similarinitiative, attack

   Oppositedefensive

   Note

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