adj. & n.
adj. 1 giving or meant or likely to give offence; insulting (offensive language). 2 disgusting, foul-smelling, nauseous, repulsive. 3 a aggressive, attacking. b (of a weapon) meant for use in attack.
n. 1 an aggressive action or attitude (take the offensive). 2 an attack, an offensive campaign or stroke. 3 aggressive or forceful action in pursuit of a cause (a peace offensive). offensively adv. offensiveness n.
[ F offensif -ive or med.L offensivus (as OFFENCE) ]