offensive
UK[əˈfensɪv]US[əˈfɛnsɪv]
adj
causing someone to feel upset, angry, or annoyed; insulting
adj
used for attacking; aggressive
n
a planned military attack or series of attacks
Morpheme Breakdown
of
fens
ive
of
fens
ive
tending to, having the nature of
Etymology
The word 'offensive' originates from the Latin verb offendere, meaning "to strike against, displease, or attack," which is itself composed of ob- ("against") and -fendere ("to strike"). The core concept is a physical or metaphorical striking against something. In medieval Latin, the derivative offensivus emerged, carrying the sense "attacking." This dual notion of attack and causing displeasure passed into English via French in the mid-16th century. The modern meanings logically extend from this origin: the adjective describing an attack (military offensive) and, by metaphorical extension, language or behavior that "strikes against" social or personal sensibilities, causing anger or annoyance.
Analysis
Structure: of + fens + ive
- of (variant of 'ob-'): Latin origin, prefix meaning "against, toward, in the way of".
- fens (variant of 'fend'): From Latin fendere (to strike, hit), a root related to defending and warding off.
- ive: Latin suffix -ivus, forming adjectives meaning "tending to, having the nature of".
Examples
The comedian's jokes were considered offensive by many in the audience.
The general launched a major offensive at dawn.
He was penalized for an offensive foul during the basketball game.