counterattack

American  

[koun-ter-uh-tak, koun-ter-uh-tak, koun-ter-uh-tak] / ˈkaʊn tər əˌtæk, ˌkaʊn tər əˈtæk, ˈkaʊn tər əˌtæk /

noun

1. an attack made as an offset or reply to another attack.

2. Military. an attack by a ground combat unit to drive back an enemy attack.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make a counterattack against.

verb (used without object)

1. to deliver a counterattack.

counterattack British  

/ ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk /

noun

1. an attack in response to an attack

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verb

1. to make a counterattack (against)

Etymology

Origin of counterattack

First recorded in 1915–20; counter- + attack

Example Sentences

Gomina in turn called the quick-reaction force, or QRF, an elite unit on standby for emergencies, to order a counterattack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

In October, the South American country unveiled its first drone battalion to counterattack and defend against drone onslaughts.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Dilrosun doubled the lead with his second MLS goal on a counterattack five minutes later.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 20, 2025

Either way, deterrence theory calls for a swift counterattack against the ocean.

From Slate • May 8, 2025

At two o’clock, his second-in-command tiptoed into the general’s cabin to speak in a whisper: “Sir, I am awaiting your orders for a counterattack, sir.”

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge