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

The controversy, triggered by a report in Bloomberg, has unleashed a flurry of charges and countercharges.

From New York Times

The final days of the Iowa campaign were shaped by the fight for second place and the increasingly vitriolic charges and countercharges between Ms. Haley and Mr. DeSantis over the airwaves and in press interviews.

From New York Times

As he helped Alcocer with the countercharge, he said he voiced concerns about the amount of material being loaded into the containment vessel, according to his and Levesque’s interviews with investigators.

From Los Angeles Times

The fighting in the area was especially bitter, with bloody charges and countercharges as the Union forces struggled to hold their lines against Confederate assaults.

From Washington Post

Delays and countercharges in ballot fights open space for rumors, hyper-political spin and outright disinformation to breed and spread, said David J. Becker, the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research.

From New York Times

Related Words

• rebuttal
• repartee
• retort