Obnoxious
/əbˈnɒkʃəs/
Definitions
Causing offense; highly objectionable; annoying.
/əbˈnɒkʃəs/
Extremely unpleasant or offensive
The obnoxious smell of the garbage made me want to leave.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who is *super* annoying, like they constantly interrupt, talk too loud, or do things that bother everyone around them. That's an obnoxious person! It's like when your little brother keeps poking you when you're trying to watch TV.
👶 For kids: When someone is super annoying and makes other people feel upset.
More Examples
The obnoxious music from the neighbor's party kept us awake all night.
His obnoxious comments during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.
How It's Used
"His obnoxious behavior made it difficult to enjoy the party."
"She found his constant bragging and interrupting very obnoxious."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin *obnoxius* meaning 'harmful, exposed to harm, liable, guilty', from *ob* 'against, toward' + *noxa* 'harm, injury'.
The word 'obnoxious' has been used since the 16th century, initially with the meaning of 'liable to injury' or 'subject to harm'. The meaning shifted towards 'offensive' or 'annoying' over time.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'knocks' - an obnoxious person 'knocks' you back with their unpleasantness.
Word Origin
"harmful, exposed to harm"