Of‐fen″sive (?), a. [Cf. F. offensif. See Offend.]
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. “Offensive to the stomach.” Bacon.
3. Making the first attack; assailant; aggressive; hence, used in attacking; — opposed to defensive; as, an offensive war; offensive weapons.
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.
— Of‐fen″sive‐ly, adv. — Of‐fen″sive‐ness, n.