countercharge

American  

[koun-ter-chahrj, koun-ter-chahrj, koun-ter-chahrj] / ˈkaʊn tərˌtʃɑrdʒ, ˌkaʊn tərˈtʃɑrdʒ, ˈkaʊn tərˌtʃɑrdʒ /

noun

1. a charge by an accused person against the accuser.

2. Military.  a retaliatory charge.

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verb (used with object)

countercharged, countercharging

1. to make an accusation against (one's accuser).

2. Military.  to charge in retaliation.

countercharge British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌtʃɑːdʒ /

noun

1. a charge brought by an accused person against the accuser

2. military a retaliatory charge

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verb

1. (tr) to make a countercharge against

Etymology

Origin of countercharge

First recorded in 1605–15; counter- + charge

Example Sentences

There were numerous public and contentious charges and countercharges back and forth, some linked to allegations of homosexual conduct.

From Salon

The controversy, triggered by a report in Bloomberg, has unleashed a flurry of charges and countercharges.

From New York Times

The final days of the Iowa campaign were shaped by the fight for second place and the increasingly vitriolic charges and countercharges between Ms. Haley and Mr. DeSantis over the airwaves and in press interviews.

From New York Times

Alcocer worked on creating a countercharge to detonate the fireworks inside the vessel, according to the inspector general’s report.

From Los Angeles Times

The fighting in the area was especially bitter, with bloody charges and countercharges as the Union forces struggled to hold their lines against Confederate assaults.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• rebuttal
• repartee
• retort