counterattack

[ noun koun-ter-uh-tak; verb koun-ter-uh-tak, koun-ter-uh-tak ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to make a counterattack against.

verb (used without object)

1. to deliver a counterattack.

counterattack

/ ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk /

noun

1. an attack in response to an attack

verb

1. to make a counterattack (against)

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterattack¹

First recorded in 1915–20; counter- + attack

Example Sentences

Biden was unable to mount a counterattack as Trump steamed over the Republican opposition.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Monday that the “counterattack on our enemies in Iran's axis of evil is necessary for securing our future and ensuring our security”.

From BBC

When Salon reached out to the Trump campaign with detailed questions about the disturbingly accurate history in "The Apprentice," the reply was a statement filled with dramatic denials and threatening counterattacks.

From Salon

Each attack and counterattack increases the risk that Israel’s war on Gaza could devolve into a wider conflict that engulfs Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East.

From Los Angeles Times

Analysts from the US-based Institute for the Study of War said the size, scale and potential prospects of the Russian counterattacks were unclear and it was premature to draw any conclusions.

From BBC

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge