Definition of offensive adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

offensive

adjective

əˈfensɪv

əˈfensɪv

1 rude in a way that causes you to feel upset, insulted or annoyedoffensive remarksThe programme contains language which some viewers may find offensive.offensive to somebody His comments were deeply offensive to a large number of single mothers.

Opposite

inoffensive2 (formal) extremely unpleasant

Synonym

obnoxiousan offensive smell3 [only before noun] connected with the act of attacking somebody/somethingan offensive waroffensive actionHe was charged with carrying an offensive weapon. compare defensive4 (North American English, sport) connected with the team that has control of the ball; connected with the act of scoring pointsoffensive play compare defensiveoffensively

əˈfensɪvli offensively pronunciation American

əˈfensɪvli

adverbHe later apologized for speaking offensively about the Queen. (North American English) The team needs to be encouraged to play more offensively. offensiveness

əˈfensɪvnəs offensiveness pronunciation American

əˈfensɪvnəs

noun [uncountable]

Usage note: disgustingfoul revolting repulsive offensive grossThese words all describe something, especially a smell, taste or habit, that is extremely unpleasant and often makes you feel slightly ill.disgusting extremely unpleasant and making you feel slightly ill: What a disgusting smell!foul dirty, and tasting or smelling bad: She could smell his foul breath.revolting extremely unpleasant and making you feel slightly ill: The stew looked revolting.disgusting or revolting?Both of these words are used to describe things that smell and taste unpleasant, unpleasant personal habits and people who have them. There is no real difference in meaning, but disgusting is more frequent, especially in spoken English.repulsive (rather formal) extremely unpleasant in a way that offends you or makes you feel slightly ill. Repulsive usually describes people, their behaviour or habits, which you may find offensive for physical or moral reasons.offensive (formal) (especially of smells) extremely unpleasant.gross (informal) (of a smell, taste or personal habit) extremely unpleasant.disgusting/repulsive/offensive to somebodyto find somebody/something disgusting/revolting/repulsive/offensiveto smell/taste disgusting/foul/grossa(n) disgusting/foul/revolting/offensive/gross smella disgusting/revolting/gross habitdisgusting/offensive/gross behavioura disgusting/revolting/repulsive man/woman/person