counterattack
UK: ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk | US: ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk
n. a retaliatory attack made in response to an opponent's offensive action
vt. to launch an attack in response to an opponent's offensive action
The word "counterattack" combines "counter," derived from Latin contra (meaning "against"), and "attack," from Old French atac (meaning "to strike"). The term emerged in military contexts to describe a defensive strategy where forces respond to an enemy's assault with an immediate offensive move. The morphemes reflect a direct oppositional logic—literally "striking back."
The army prepared a swift counterattack after the enemy's surprise invasion.
In chess, a well-timed counterattack can turn the tide of the game.
The boxer dodged the punch and launched a fierce counterattack.
Protesters organized a counterattack against the new policy.
The general ordered a counterattack at dawn to reclaim lost territory.