Offensive — Defs

01 a. Giving offense; causing displeasure or resentment; displeasing; annoying; as, offensive words.

1.
Giving offense; causing displeasure or resentment; displeasing; annoying; as, offensive words.
2.
Giving pain or unpleasant sensations; disagreeable; revolting; noxious; as, an offensive smell; offensive sounds.
3.
Making the first attack; assailant; aggressive; hence, used in attacking; -- opposed to defensive; as, an offensive war; offensive weapons.

Phrases & compounds

League offensive and defensive — a leaque that requires all the parties to it to make war together against any foe, and to defend one another if attacked.

Syn. Displeasing; disagreeable; distasteful; obnoxious; abhorrent; disgusting; impertinent; rude; saucy; reproachful; opprobrious; insulting; insolent; abusive; scurrilous; assailant; attacking; invading.

02 n. The state or posture of one who offends or makes attack; aggressive attitude; the act of the attacking party; -- opposed to defensive.

1.
The state or posture of one who offends or makes attack; aggressive attitude; the act of the attacking party; -- opposed to defensive.

Phrases & compounds

To take the offensive — to be the attacking party; to initiate hostilities.