Meaning & Definition of Counterattack in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A military action taken in response to an enemy attack.

  Example Sentence: After the initial assault, the army quickly launched a counterattack.

• Definition: A retaliatory action or series of actions in response to criticism or an offensive move.

  Example Sentence: She responded to the criticism with a strong counterattack on social media.

Etymology

Origin: From the words 'counter-' meaning against, and 'attack' meaning to assault.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• counterattack your opponent: To respond offensively against someone attacking you.
• execute a counterattack: To carry out a response attack.
• launch a counterattack: To initiate a retaliatory action.

Translations

• Spanish: contraataque

• French: contre-attaque

• German: Gegenangriff

• Russian: контратака

Related Words

• attack: To aggressively confront or assail.

• defense: The act of protecting against attack.

• retaliation: The act of returning an attack.

• offensive: An attacking operation or strategy.

Slang Meanings of counterattack

• Meaning: Comeback

  Example Sentence: His comeback was so strong it felt like a counterattack.

• Meaning: Flip the script

  Example Sentence: She flipped the script on her detractors with a perfect counterattack.