offensief

Offensief is a Dutch term used as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, het offensief denotes a planned and coordinated military action intended to gain an advantage, disrupt the enemy, or seize ground, often involving a breakthrough and exploitation. As an adjective, offensief describes actions that are forward-pressing or aggressive, such as offensive measures or a campaign. The word is used primarily in military contexts but can also be applied in politics, media, and diplomacy to denote aggressive campaigns or initiatives. The term is borrowed from French offensif (adjective) and ultimately from Latin roots, and it has been part of Dutch military vocabulary since the early modern period. In modern usage, tegenoffensief means a counteroffensive aimed at reversing battlefield losses.

In practice, an offensive typically involves reconnaissance, deception, concentration of force, and coordinated firepower from artillery and air support, followed by rapid exploitation of a created breach. It can be local or strategic and is often followed by pursuit or consolidation. The decision to launch an offensief depends on objectives, logistics, and the assessed strength of the opponent. The concept is contrasted with defensief, referring to defensive actions.

Historical and contemporary examples illustrate the range of offensives. Notable historical offensives include the German Spring Offensive of 1918 (Kaiserschlacht) in World War I and the Allied Normandy invasion in 1944 (Overlord) as a major offensive in World War II, as well as the Ardennes Offensive of 1944–45. In modern discourse, the term also appears in political or media contexts to describe aggressive campaigns aimed at achieving specific goals.