countermarch

American  

[koun-ter-mahrch, koun-ter-mahrch, koun-ter-mahrch] / ˈkaʊn tərˌmɑrtʃ, ˌkaʊn tərˈmɑrtʃ, ˈkaʊn tərˌmɑrtʃ /

noun

1. a march back over the same ground.

2. a complete reversal of conduct or measures.

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verb (used without object)

1. to execute a countermarch.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to countermarch.

countermarch British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌmɑːtʃ /

verb

1. military

   1. to march or cause to march back along the same route

   2. to change the order of soldiers during a march

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noun

1. the act or instance of countermarching

2. a reversal of method, conduct, etc

Etymology

Origin of countermarch

First recorded in 1590–1600; counter- + march ¹

Example Sentences

And when the townspeople drive them out of town with a countermarch, it’s very moving.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 24, 2013

The diffuse spiritual legacy of Buddha, having survived the march and countermarch of conquerors in Asia, today commands perhaps 300 million faithful—it is typically Buddhist that estimates range from 100 million to 500 million.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Leningrad protest provoked a countermarch by some 40,000 incensed citizens who proclaimed their support for Gorbachev's efforts to rejuvenate the party through open criticism.

From Time Magazine Archive

A year ago the comrades got orders to countermarch into the A.V.C.

From Time Magazine Archive

The officer of the watch had ceased his regular march and countermarch, and was also gazing downward in that direction.

From The White Blackbird by Douglas, Hudson