Causing displeasure, anger, or resentment; aggressive or attacking in nature.
From Latin 'offensus' meaning struck against or hurt, from 'ob-' (against) and 'fendere' (to strike). Originally meant physically striking against something before evolving to include emotional or moral injury.
The word beautifully captures both physical and emotional aggression through its etymology of 'striking against.' In sports, military strategy, and social interactions, being 'on the offensive' maintains this ancient sense of forward, aggressive movement.
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