countercharge

[koun-ter-chahrj, koun-ter-chahrj, koun-ter-chahrj]

noun

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

2. Military.,  a retaliatory charge.

verb (used with object)

countercharged, countercharging 

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

2. Military.,  to charge in retaliation.

countercharge

/ ˈkaʊntəˌtʃɑːdʒ /

noun

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

2. military a retaliatory charge

verb

1. (tr) to make a countercharge against

Word History and Origins

Origin of countercharge¹

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.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on New York Times

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on Washington Post

Related Words

• rebuttal 
• repartee 
• retort