countersue

[ koun-ter-soo ]

verb (used with object)

, coun·ter·sued, coun·ter·su·ing.

1. to bring a civil action against (one's complainant).

verb (used without object)

, coun·ter·sued, coun·ter·su·ing.

1. to bring a civil action against one's complainant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of countersue¹

counter- + sue

Example Sentences

John Catanzara, president of the Chicago police officers’ union, said he would encourage the officers to countersue.

From Seattle Times

Her lawyer later said she had plans to countersue.

From BBC

District Judge Lewis Kaplan in a Monday order dismissed former President Donald Trump's attempt to countersue writer E. Jean Carroll, after a jury found him liable of sexually abusing and defaming her in May.

From Salon

“It is becoming increasingly common for perpetrators to countersue their victims, claiming defamation. This is a concerning trend, one designed to convince victims that if they speak out, they will be the target of spurious litigation,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

“It is becoming increasingly common for perpetrators to countersue their victims, claiming defamation. This is a concerning trend, one designed to convince victims that if they speak out, they will be the target of spurious litigation.”

From Los Angeles Times