counterattack

[koun-ter-uh-tak, koun-ter-uh-tak, koun-ter-uh-tak]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to make a counterattack against.

verb (used without object)

1. to deliver a counterattack.

counterattack

/ ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk /

noun

1. an attack in response to an attack

verb

1. to make a counterattack (against)

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterattack¹

First recorded in 1915–20; counter- + attack

Example Sentences

Almost before the ink was dry on Thomas’ opinion, conservative and religious activists began their counterattack on Obergefell.

Read more on Salon

Voters in California have approved a measure to redraw political lines to favour Democrats - launching a counterattack against similar efforts by conservative-led states in a nationwide battle for control of the US House of Representatives.

Read more on BBC

Prosecutors also defended Feldstein Soto’s social media posts, saying they were written on the day of the invasion, before Israel had launched its counterattack.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Of course conservatives complained about all this constantly and at great length, and sporadically tried to organize boycotts or other counterattacks against such shibboleths as “affirmative action,” “political correctness,” “multiculturalism” and “cultural Marxism.”

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Druze militias launched a counterattack and retaliated with a wave of killings and kidnappings against Bedouin fighters and civilians.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reprisal 
• retribution 
• revenge