countercharge

[ noun koun-ter-chahrj; verb koun-ter-chahrj, koun-ter-chahrj ]

noun

1. a charge by an accused person against the accuser.
2. Military. a retaliatory charge.

verb (used with object)

, coun·ter·charged, coun·ter·charg·ing.

1. to make an accusation against (one's accuser).
2. Military. to charge in retaliation.

countercharge

/ ˈkaʊntəˌtʃɑːdʒ /

noun

1. a charge brought by an accused person against the accuser
2. military a retaliatory charge

verb

1. tr to make a countercharge against

Word History and Origins

Origin of countercharge¹

First recorded in 1605–15; counter- + charge

Example Sentences

Perhaps they believe his claims that he’s a target of extortion — a sort of countercharge that in the past has often turned out to be untrue.

From Washington Post

So I would like you to just tell me your best thinking on that series of charges and countercharges.

From Freakonomics

In other situations, the accusation arises as a countercharge.

From The Daily Beast

Preston and Palmer were not only driven back, but they left some prisoners as a result of a countercharge by a Union regiment.

From Project Gutenberg

Lieutenant Sharpe ordered a countercharge, and the battalion rushed to meet the enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

However, no formal answer came until November 5, three days before the election, when a countercharge was impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

Ribs of the wounded broken in; features of the dead mashed by the heels of the Brown countercharge!

From Project Gutenberg

The conduct of every department and every individual concerned was the subject of charge, answer, and countercharge innumerable.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rebuttal
• repartee
• retort