offensive
uh-FEN-siv
/əˈfensɪv/
Causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry.
Offensive is a broad term for anything that 'strikes against' someone's feelings, beliefs, or sense of propriety.
The story behind the word. From 'ob-' (against) and 'fendere' (to strike). It literally means to trip over something or to strike against it. This is why we 'take offense'—it's as if we've been hit.
Word relationships
- insulting: Insulting is a direct attack on someone's dignity; offensive is a broader term for anything that causes displeasure.
- objectionable: Objectionable means someone might disagree with it; offensive means it actually causes pain or anger.
- inoffensive: Inoffensive means it causes no harm or displeasure.
- pleasing: Pleasing means it causes active enjoyment.
Commonly confused with
- taboo: Something offensive is unpleasant; something taboo is forbidden by the culture.
Word family
- offend (verb): To cause hurt or anger.
- offense (noun): The act of causing hurt or anger.
- offensively (adverb): In an offensive manner.
Collocations
- highly offensive
- deeply offensive
- offensive language
- offensive behavior
Example sentences
- "He found the comedian's jokes about his religion to be deeply offensive and walked out of the show." Social Interaction
- "The city removed the statue after many residents complained that it was offensive to the local community." Public Policy
Memory hook
When someone is 'offensive', they are 'on the fence' of being a bully. Offensive strikes against your feelings.
When not to use
In a sports context, 'offensive' refers to the side that is attacking, which is a completely different meaning.
Fun facts
- The word 'fend' (as in 'fend for yourself') comes from the same root, meaning to strike away.
Related words
Explore more words
counteroffensive, campaign, counterattack, affront, scandalous, intrusive
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.