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

That prior low produced a bullish counterattack candle, followed just two sessions later by a positive engulfing candle.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 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

Dilrosun doubled the lead with his second MLS goal on a counterattack five minutes later.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 20, 2025

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

From Slate • May 8, 2025

She splashes me mischievously and I mount a counterattack.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge