offensive

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♦ of|fen|sive /əf'ensɪv/ (offensives)
1 [ADJ]
Something that is offensive upsets or embarrasses people because it is rude or insulting.
Some friends of his found the play horribly offensive.
...offensive remarks which called into question the integrity of my firm.
● offensively [ADV] ADV after v, ADV adj
The group who had been shouting offensively opened to let her through...
2 [N-COUNT] oft supp N
A military offensive is a carefully planned attack made by a large group of soldiers.
Its latest military offensive against rebel forces is aimed at re-opening important trade routes...
3 [N-COUNT] usu supp N
If you conduct an offensive, you take strong action to show how angry you are about something or how much you disapprove of something.
Republicans acknowledged that they had little choice but to mount an all-out offensive on the Democratic nominee.
see also charm offensive
4 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you go on the offensive, go over to the offensive, or take the offensive, you begin to take strong action against people who have been attacking you.
The West African forces went on the offensive in response to attacks on them...
The Foreign Secretary has decided to take the offensive in the discussion on the future of the community.charm of|fen|sive
[N-SING]
If you say that someone has launched a charm offensive, you disapprove of the fact that they are being very friendly to their opponents or people who are causing problems for them. (JOURNALISM)
He launched what was called a charm offensive against MPs who might not support the Government.

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