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

See Examples For:

counterattack

It’s been a spirited rebuttal to what’s felt like a counterattack on the inherent values of the World Cup.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026

On the other hand, if the goal was regime change, a Hormuz counterattack would certainly have been anticipated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 31, 2026

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

That prior low produced a bullish counterattack candle, followed just two sessions later by a positive engulfing candle.

From Barron's ● Feb. 26, 2026

Having unified Tikal, he built up his forces for a long-delayed counterattack.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge