Definition

1. Noun:

   • A retaliatory attack: An attack made in response to an opponent's attack, aiming to regain advantage or initiative.
   • A tactical response in conflict: In military or strategic contexts, an offensive action taken by a defending force against an attacking enemy.

2. Verb:

   • To launch a retaliatory attack: To attack in response to an attack from an opponent.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The general ordered a swift counterattack to reclaim the lost territory.
  • In the debate, her sharp counterattack effectively dismantled his argument.

• Verb:

  • After losing the first set, the tennis player counterattacked with powerful serves.
  • The defending army counterattacked at dawn, surprising the invaders.

Advanced Usage

• "To mount a counterattack": To organize and launch a retaliatory strike.

  • The company mounted a fierce counterattack against the negative press.

• "A preemptive counterattack": A retaliatory strike launched in anticipation of an imminent attack.

  • The strategy involved a preemptive counterattack to disrupt the enemy's plans.

Variants and Related Words

• Counteroffensive (n): A large-scale counterattack.

  • The battle turned with the launch of a major counteroffensive.

• Counterpunch (n/v): Literally, a punch thrown in boxing immediately after blocking an opponent's punch; figuratively, a quick retaliatory action.

  • The candidate's counterpunch during the interview went viral.

Synonyms

• Retaliation: The action of returning a military attack; retaliation.
• Riposte: A quick, clever reply or action in response to criticism or an attack.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• To fight back: To resist an attack or defend oneself aggressively.

  • The community decided to fight back against the new regulations.

• To strike back: To attack someone who has attacked you.

  • He vowed to strike back against those who betrayed him.

Related Idioms

• "The best defense is a good offense": This proverb suggests that attacking can be the most effective form of defense, closely related to the concept of a counterattack.
  • Believing the best defense is a good offense, the team counterattacked immediately after winning possession.

Noun

1. (chess) an attack that is intended to counter the opponent's advantage in another part of the board
2. an attack by a defending force against an attacking enemy force in order to regain lost ground or cut off enemy advance units etc.

Verb

1. make a counterattack