Definition

1. Noun:

   • A retaliatory charge: An accusation made in response to another accusation, typically as a defensive or counterattacking move.
   • A charge brought by an accused person against the accuser: In legal contexts, a formal accusation made by the defendant against the original plaintiff or prosecutor.

2. Verb (less common):

   • To make a retaliatory accusation: To level a charge against one's accuser.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:

  • The politician denied the corruption allegations and issued a sharp countercharge of libel.
  • In a surprising legal move, the defendant's lawyer filed a countercharge of malicious prosecution.

• Verb:

  • The accused sought to countercharge his opponent with fabricating evidence.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Strategy: A "countercharge" is often used as a tactical defense to discredit the original accuser or to complicate the legal proceedings.
  • The lawsuit became a complex battle of claims and countercharges.

Variants and Related Words

• Counteraccusation (n): A synonym for a retaliatory charge.
• Counterclaim (n): A broader legal term for a claim filed in response to an initial claim, which may include, but is not limited to, an accusation.

Synonyms

• Recrimination: The act of accusing in return.
• Retaliatory accusation: An accusation made in retaliation.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is a noun referring to a reciprocal accusation.
• The verb form is derived from the noun and is used less frequently. Its meaning is directly tied to the act of making such a retaliatory accusation.

Noun

1. a retaliatory charge
2. a charge brought by an accused person against the accuser