counterattack

noun
UK: /ˌkaʊntər.əˈtæk/
US: /ˌkaʊntər.əˈtæk/

  1. An attack made in response to an attack by an enemy or opponent.

    1. The army launched a counterattack.
    2. After the initial setback, the team planned a strategic counterattack to regain their lead.

Synonyms

revenge reprisal response strike back retort fight back
counterattack verb

  1. To attack in response to an attack.

    1. They will counterattack soon.
    2. The general ordered his troops to counterattack and push back the enemy forces.
counterattack intransitive-verb

  1. To make a return attack.

    1. The boxer counterattacked after dodging a punch.
    2. The chess player quickly counterattacked, putting pressure on their opponent's king.
counterattack transitive-verb

  1. To attack an enemy or opponent in response to their attack.

    1. We must counterattack their forces.
    2. The country decided to counterattack the invaders to protect its borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "counterattack" is /ˌkaʊntər.əˈtæk/ in British English and /ˌkaʊntər.əˈtæk/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "counterattack": revenge, reprisal, response, strike back, retort, fight back.

Example usage of "counterattack": "The army launched a counterattack.". More examples on the page.