countermarch

American  

[koun-ter-mahrch, koun-ter-mahrch, koun-ter-mahrch] / ˈkaʊn tərˌmɑrtʃ, ˌkaʊn tərˈmɑrtʃ, ˈkaʊn tərˌmɑrtʃ /

noun

1. a march back over the same ground.

2. a complete reversal of conduct or measures.

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verb (used without object)

1. to execute a countermarch.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to countermarch.

countermarch British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌmɑːtʃ /

verb

1. military

   1. to march or cause to march back along the same route

   2. to change the order of soldiers during a march

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noun

1. the act or instance of countermarching

2. a reversal of method, conduct, etc

Etymology

Origin of countermarch

First recorded in 1590–1600; counter- + march ¹

Example Sentences

And when the townspeople drive them out of town with a countermarch, it’s very moving.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 24, 2013

Ronald Reagan has tried to stage a countermarch.

From Time Magazine Archive

From a tense week of legal march and countermarch, political charge and countercharge, the U.S. emerged one big step behind its starting point.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Leningrad protest provoked a countermarch by some 40,000 incensed citizens who proclaimed their support for Gorbachev's efforts to rejuvenate the party through open criticism.

From Time Magazine Archive

Orders were instantly given us to countermarch, and to get on to the plain and into action as soon as possible.

From Twenty-Five Years in the Rifle Brigade by Surtees, William