(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
Something that is ~ upsets or embarrasses people because it is rude or insulting.
Some friends of his found the play horribly ~.
...~ remarks which called into question the integrity of my firm.
ADJ
~ly
The group who had been shouting ~ly opened to let her through...
ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj
2.
A military ~ is a carefully planned attack made by a large group of soldiers.
Its latest military ~ against rebel forces is aimed at re-opening important trade routes...
N-COUNT: oft supp N
3.
If you conduct an ~, you take strong action to show how angry you are about something or how much you disapprove of something.
Republicans acknowledged that they had little choice but to mount an all-out ~ on the Democratic nominee.
N-COUNT: usu supp N
see also charm ~
4.
If you go on the ~, go over to the ~, or take the ~, you begin to take strong action against people who have been attacking you.
The West African forces went on the ~ in response to attacks on them...
The Foreign Secretary has decided to take the ~ in the discussion on the future of the community.
PHRASE: V inflects