n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' fen(t)-siv, esp for 1 ' ä- ˌ fen(t)-, ' o ̇ -
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1564
1 a : making attack : AGGRESSIVE b : of, relating to, or designed for attack < offensive weapons> c : of or relating to an attempt to score in a game or contest also : of or relating to a team in possession of the ball or puck
2 : giving painful or unpleasant sensations : NAUSEOUS , OBNOXIOUS <an offensive odor>
3 : causing displeasure or resentment < offensive remarks>
– of · fen · sive · ly adverb
– of · fen · sive · ness noun