counteroffensive

[ koun-ter-uh-fen-siv, koun-ter-uh-fen- ]

noun

, Military.

1. an attack by an army against an attacking enemy force.

counteroffensive

/ ˈkaʊntərəˌfɛnsɪv /

noun

1. a series of attacks by a defending force against an attacking enemy

Word History and Origins

Origin of counteroffensive¹

First recorded in 1915–20; counter- + offensive

Example Sentences

In the first few months of the war the front line moved quickly, with Russia gaining ground quickly before being pushed back by a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

From BBC

It was here in 2023, on this south-eastern part of the front line, where Ukraine launched a counteroffensive it hoped would force out the Russian invaders.

From BBC

The strategic goal of Israel’s counteroffensive was to restore its shattered deterrence.

From Los Angeles Times

A Ukrainian officer fighting in the Kursk region told the BBC that the Russian counteroffensive had begun some distance to the west of Sudzha.

From BBC

The initiative was stayed and eventually deemed unconstitutional by federal courts, but even without going into effect it ignited a counteroffensive on behalf of all Californians.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reprisal
• retribution
• revenge