Definition

Noun: A countercoup is a sudden and decisive overthrow of a government that itself originally gained power through a coup d'état. It is a secondary coup that aims to reverse the results of the first one.

Usage

The word "countercoup" is used to describe a specific type of political action. It is a singular event, often planned in secret and executed swiftly by a faction opposing the current, coup-installed leadership.

Examples

• The general who seized power in January was himself removed in a violent countercoup just six months later.
• Historians analyzed the failed countercoup that attempted to restore the ousted president to power.
• Fearing a countercoup, the new junta immediately arrested potential rivals within the military.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in political science and historical analysis to describe cycles of instability following an initial coup.
• It implies a direct and reactive relationship to a preceding coup d'état.

Variants and Related Words

• Coup (d'état) (n.): The original seizure of power from a government by a small group, which a countercoup reacts against.
• Putsch (n.): Another term for a coup or attempted coup, often implying a swift, violent action.

Synonyms

• Reversal coup
• Secondary coup

Antonyms

• Consolidation of power (The strengthening of a coup government's control, preventing a countercoup).

Noun

1. a sudden and decisive overthrow of a government that gained power by a coup d'etat