counterattack

American  

[koun-ter-uh-tak, koun-ter-uh-tak, koun-ter-uh-tak] / ˈkaʊn tər əˌtæk, ˌkaʊn tər əˈtæk, ˈkaʊn tər əˌtæk /

noun

1. an attack made as an offset or reply to another attack.

2. Military. an attack by a ground combat unit to drive back an enemy attack.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make a counterattack against.

verb (used without object)

1. to deliver a counterattack.

counterattack British  

/ ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk /

noun

1. an attack in response to an attack

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verb

1. to make a counterattack (against)

Etymology

Origin of counterattack

First recorded in 1915–20; counter- + attack

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

counterattack

The counterattack ended with Yamal firing a shot straight at Austria goalkeeper Alex Schlager one minute into the game.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

It’s been a spirited rebuttal to what’s felt like a counterattack on the inherent values of the World Cup.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026

On the other hand, if the goal was regime change, a Hormuz counterattack would certainly have been anticipated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 31, 2026

KHARKIV, Ukraine—A Ukrainian counterattack in the country’s southeast is chipping away at Russian advances there and demonstrating that Kyiv’s forces have got plenty of fight left as Moscow’s invasion stretches into a fifth year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 24, 2026

Reinforced now by battle-ready American troops, the Allies mounted a massive counterattack.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge