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

Whatever degree of American assistance the Kurds are receiving, they have already begun a counteroffensive.

From The Daily Beast

Approximately 90 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its counteroffensive—among them were 22 children.

From The Daily Beast

But after an intense counteroffensive by officials at the State Department and Justice Department, the status quo was restored.

From The Daily Beast

Or else what if he pulls a Rove counteroffensive and asks for release of 20 years of Obama tax returns.

From The Daily Beast

This is the inevitable second round, the anger counteroffensive.

From The Daily Beast

Von Boehn, therefore, was hurriedly detached rearward to deal with the Belgian counteroffensive.

From Project Gutenberg

This was General Joffre's counteroffensive, and it developed in detail almost exactly along the lines that he had laid down.

From Project Gutenberg

This counteroffensive had reached its end practically on July 6, 1918.

From Project Gutenberg

Since the beginning of the counteroffensive 30,000 German prisoners were taken.

From Project Gutenberg

South of the Lupkow the Germanic forces opened their counteroffensive on April 6, 1915.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge