counterattack

American  

[kaun-ter-uh-tak, kaun-ter-uh-tak, kaun-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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

counterattack

And over the summer, the Ukrainians prepared a major counterattack in the Lyman area, called Operation Vivaldi.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 7, 2026

Days before that event, the news leaked out, giving PepsiCo a chance to counterattack with full-page newspaper ads.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

On the Czech side, coach Miroslav Koubek favors a disciplined and physical approach, with Patrik Schick and Adam Hložek leading the counterattack that will seek to capitalize on any Mexico mistakes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 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

At two o’clock, his second-in-command tiptoed into the general’s cabin to speak in a whisper: “Sir, I am awaiting your orders for a counterattack, sir.”

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

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Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge

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