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Offensives: meaning, definitions and examples

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offensives

 

[ əˈfɛnsɪvz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

military strategy

Military operations that are intended to attack and seize enemy territory or inflict damage on the opposing forces. Offensives are often characterized by aggressive and coordinated actions aimed at achieving a strategic advantage.

Synonyms

assault, attack, onslaught

Examples of usage

  • The general ordered a massive offensive to push back the enemy forces.
  • The offensive successfully captured several key positions along the front line.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

An aggressive and provocative action or remark that is likely to cause outrage or anger. Offensives can be verbal, physical, or symbolic in nature.

Synonyms

insult, outrage, provocation

Examples of usage

  • His offensive comments offended many people in the audience.
  • She took his behavior as a personal offensive and decided to confront him.

Translations

Translations of the word "offensives" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ofensivas

🇮🇳 अपमानजनक

🇩🇪 Beleidigungen

🇮🇩 ofensif

🇺🇦 образи

🇵🇱 obraźliwe

🇯🇵 攻撃的

🇫🇷 offensives

🇪🇸 ofensivas

🇹🇷 saldırgan

🇰🇷 공격적인

🇸🇦 هجومية

🇨🇿 útočné

🇸🇰 ofenzívne

🇨🇳 攻击性

🇸🇮 ofenzivne

🇮🇸 sóknir

🇰🇿 шабуылдар

🇬🇪 შეურაცხმყოფელი

🇦🇿 hücumlar

🇲🇽 ofensivas

Word origin

The term 'offensive' originated from the Latin word 'offendere', which means 'to strike against'. In military contexts, the concept of offensives has been a key element of warfare throughout history, with various strategies and tactics developed to achieve victory through aggressive actions. In informal usage, 'offensive' refers to actions or remarks that are intended to provoke or cause harm, often leading to conflicts or disagreements.

See also: counteroffensive, inoffensive, offenses, offensively, offensiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,662, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.