Offensive: meaning, definitions and examples

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offensive

[əˈfɛnsɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

inappropriate behavior

Causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry, typically as a result of insulting or attacking them.

Synonyms

abusive, disrespectful, hurtful, insulting, off-color.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
offensive	Used to describe something that causes someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry. This term is often broad and can refer to verbal, visual, or physical actions. His comments were highly offensive to many listeners. She found the joke offensive and asked him to stop.
insulting	Used to describe comments or actions that are meant to demean, belittle, or offend someone. It is often intentional and can be considered deeply disrespectful. She found his remarks insulting and unnecessary. The insulting gesture caused an uproar in the room.
abusive	Refers to behavior that is extremely harmful and often repetitive, involving mistreatment or violence. This can be physical, emotional, or verbal abuse. The boss's abusive language created a toxic work environment. She left the relationship because it became abusive.
disrespectful	Used when someone shows a lack of respect or courtesy toward another person. This can be through words or actions. His disrespectful tone upset his parents. It's disrespectful to interrupt someone while they are speaking.
hurtful	Describes actions or words that cause emotional pain or distress. It is usually used to indicate a personal and emotional impact. That was a hurtful comment about her appearance. His hurtful actions made her cry.
off-color	Typically refers to jokes, comments, or stories that are inappropriate or indecent, often involving vulgarity or sexual innuendo. These comments may be considered offensive to some people. He made an off-color joke that made everyone uncomfortable. Her off-color remarks were not appreciated at the family gathering.

Examples of usage

His offensive remarks towards her were completely uncalled for.
She found his behavior offensive and disrespectful.
The use of offensive language is not tolerated in this workplace.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

military

An organized and forceful attempt to achieve a goal, typically a political or military one.

Synonyms

assault, attack, campaign, offensive action, onslaught.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
offensive	Used to describe an aggressive military operation aimed at gaining ground or defeating an enemy. The army launched a major offensive at dawn. Several troops were engaged in the offensive against the insurgents.
attack	A broad term for any kind of aggressive act or effort to harm someone or something. Can be used in various contexts including military, personal, or verbal conflicts. The terrorists planned an attack on the city's central square. She felt attacked by his harsh words.
assault	Refers to a sudden and forceful attack, often involving physical violence. Can also be used to describe an aggressive action or behavior. The soldiers prepared for the assault on the enemy's bunker. He was charged with assault after the bar fight.
onslaught	Describes a fierce and overwhelming attack, often used to emphasize the intensity and scale of aggression. The city was unprepared for the onslaught of enemy forces. He faced an onslaught of criticism following the scandal.
campaign	An organized and sustained series of actions or efforts carried out to achieve a specific goal, often used in political, military, or marketing contexts. The presidential candidate launched a campaign for better healthcare. The military campaign lasted for several months.
offensive action	Specific acts aimed at defeating or disrupting an opponent, often used in a military context. The troops were involved in various offensive actions during the conflict. Offensive actions were planned to weaken the enemy's defenses.

Examples of usage

The country launched an offensive against its neighboring state.
The military offensive was met with strong resistance.
The rebels planned a major offensive to overthrow the government.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'offendere,' meaning 'to strike against.'
It entered the English language in the late 14th century and initially referred to a physical attack.
Over time, its meaning expanded to include feelings and social interactions.

Psychology

Research shows that what one person finds offensive may not affect another, highlighting the subjectivity of feelings.
The brain processes offensive remarks in areas related to pain, showing that emotional hurt can be similar to physical pain.
Apologies can help repair relationships after something offensive is said, often involving empathy and understanding.

Pop Culture

Many films and comedians challenge boundaries of what is considered offensive in humor, leading to debates about free speech.
Certain songs and art pieces have stirred controversy for being offensive, prompting discussions about censorship versus artistic freedom.
Social media has amplified reactions to offensive comments, leading to movements aimed at holding individuals and corporations accountable.

Literature

Diverse literary works often tackle themes of offensiveness, provoking thought and discussion about societal values and norms.
Satire in literature can intentionally offend to critique societal issues, making readers reflect on deeper meanings.
Classic novels often explore the consequences of offensive behavior among characters, highlighting moral dilemmas.

Crisis Management

Organizations craft guidelines to address and reduce offensive language or behavior among employees and customers.
Crisis communication often includes strategies for addressing offensive incidents publicly to rebuild trust.
Training programs increasingly focus on cultural sensitivity to prevent offensive comments in diverse environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "offensive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ofensivo

🇮🇳 अपमानजनक

🇩🇪 beleidigend

🇮🇩 menyinggung

🇺🇦 образливий

🇵🇱 obraźliwy

🇯🇵 攻撃的 (こうげきてき)

🇫🇷 offensant

🇪🇸 ofensivo

🇹🇷 saldırgan

🇰🇷 공격적인

🇸🇦 هجومي

🇨🇿 urážlivý

🇸🇰 urážlivý

🇨🇳 冒犯的 (màofàn de)

🇸🇮 žaljiv

🇮🇸 móðgandi

🇰🇿 қорлайтын

🇬🇪 შეურაცხმყოფელი

🇦🇿 təhqiramiz

🇲🇽 ofensivo

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,234 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5231 choosing
5232 idle
5233 minimize
5234 offensive
5235 bits
5236 rival
5237 materially
...