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

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

It also filled a gap from April 22, shortly after back to back bottoming bullish counterattack and engulfing candles on April 7 and 9.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

They have come to understand that a full-frontal counterattack is likely to bear fruit.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2025

Either way, deterrence theory calls for a swift counterattack against the ocean.

From Slate • May 8, 2025

The battle seesawed until a sudden counterattack knocked Wayna Qhapaq out of his litter—a humiliation.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge