noun an aggressive attitude or position
adjective causing someone to feel hurt, upset, or annoyed
The offensive strategy involved a coordinated attack from multiple fronts.
The candidate's offensive remarks sparked controversy among voters.
The company implemented offensive cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber attacks.
The player's offensive skills helped lead the team to victory.
The offensive language used in the film caused backlash from viewers.
In the context of writing, 'offensive' may refer to language or content that is likely to provoke anger, resentment, or outrage in readers. Writers must be mindful of potentially offensive material and consider the impact on their audience.
Psychologists may encounter offensive behavior or language from clients, colleagues, or in the course of their research. They must navigate these situations with sensitivity and professionalism, while also addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to the offensive behavior.