counterclaim

[koun-ter-kleym, koun-ter-kleym]

noun

1. a claim made to offset another claim, especially one made by the defendant in a legal action.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to claim so as to offset a previous claim.

counterclaim

/ ˈkaʊntəˌkleɪm /

noun

1. a claim set up in opposition to another, esp by the defendant in a civil action against the plaintiff

verb

1. to set up (a claim) in opposition to another claim

Other Word Forms

• counterclaimant noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterclaim¹

First recorded in 1775–85; counter- + claim

Example Sentences

Grappling with the counterclaims would have made their assertions about the food environment more persuasive.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The counterclaim cites “allegations Plaintiffs have recently fabricated in support of their extortionate scheme” and comments the accusers’ lawyers allegedly made during a May 6 press conference.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But as the military conflict escalated, another battle played out on social media - a disinformation war of claims and counterclaims that circulated online and on TV.

Read more on BBC

In their court submission, the club's lawyers asserted that the counterclaim was prompted by Mbappe's "deceptive behaviour during negotiations to revise his contract".

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In November, the producers behind “Where Is Wendy Williams?” filed a counterclaim, hitting back at Morrissey and her “meritless” allegations related to the Lifetime documentary.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allowance 
• benefit 
• bonus 
• coverage 
• earnings 
• fee 
• indemnity 
• pay 
• payment 
• payoff 
• premium 
• profit 
• redress 
• reimbursement 
• remittance 
• remuneration 
• reparation 
• restitution 
• reward 
• salary