counteroffensive

[koun-ter-uh-fen-siv, koun-ter-uh-fen-]

noun

Military.

1. an attack by an army against an attacking enemy force.

counteroffensive

/ ˈkaʊntərəˌfɛnsɪv /

noun

1. a series of attacks by a defending force against an attacking enemy

Word History and Origins

Origin of counteroffensive¹

First recorded in 1915–20; counter- + offensive

Example Sentences

Ukraine has not commented on the Russian accusation regarding the nuclear site in Kursk, a region where Ukrainian troops briefly invaded in an unexpected military counteroffensive against the Russians last year.

From BBC

California’s leaders have already begun preparing a counteroffensive to Trump’s policy aims.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a proactive counteroffensive, built on showing that democratic alternatives exist and can work both to identify and solve real problems, and to bring people together.

From Salon

Its capture will hamper any swift attempt by Assad and his allies to launch a counteroffensive against rebel gains of the past week.

From BBC

In the first few months of the war the front line moved quickly, with Russia gaining ground quickly before being pushed back by a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

From BBC

Related Words

• reprisal 
• retribution 
• revenge