1. Disagreeable to the senses: an offensive odor.
2. Causing anger, displeasure, resentment, or affront: an offensive gesture.
3. 1. Making an attack: The offensive troops gained ground quickly.
   2. Of, relating to, or designed for attack: offensive weapons.
4. (ŏf'ĕn-) Sports. Of or relating to a team having possession of a ball or puck: the offensive line.

1. An attitude or position of attack: go on the offensive in chess.
2. An attack or assault: led a massive military offensive.

SYNONYMS   offensive, disgusting, loathsome, nasty, repellent, repulsive, revolting, vile. These adjectives mean extremely unpleasant to the senses or feelings: an offensive remark; disgusting language; a loathsome disease; a nasty smell; a repellent demand; repulsive behavior; revolting food; vile thoughts. See also synonyms at hateful.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.