Definition

1. Verb:

   • To counterattack: To launch an attack in response to an enemy's assault. This is the core military meaning, describing a strategic offensive action taken after being attacked.
   • To retaliate: To strike back against an opponent, not limited to physical combat but extending to arguments, debates, or competitive situations.

2. Noun:

   • A counterattack: The act or instance of attacking in return.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Sau khi phòng thủ, quân đội quyết định phản kích. (After defending, the army decided to counterattack.)
  • Đội bóng phản kích nhanh sau khi cướp được bóng. (The team counterattacked quickly after stealing the ball.)
  • Anh ấy phản kích lại những lời chỉ trích bằng một bài viết sắc bén. (He retaliated against the criticism with a sharp article.)

• Noun:

  • Cuộc phản kích của họ diễn ra vào lúc rạng sáng. (Their counterattack took place at dawn.)
  • Lời phản kích của cô ấy khiến đối thủ im lặng. (Her counterattack left her opponent silent.)

Advanced Usage

• In military strategy, a "phản kích" is often a planned, decisive move to regain initiative and territory.
• In sports commentary, especially football, "phản kích" describes a swift attacking transition from a defensive position.
• In debates or discussions, it refers to a sharp, immediate verbal rebuttal.

Variants and Related Words

• Phản công (v/n): A very close synonym, also meaning to counterattack. Often used interchangeably with "phản kích," though "phản kích" can sometimes imply a quicker, more immediate response.
• Tấn công (v/n): To attack / an attack. This is the initiating action that a "phản kích" responds to.
• Tự vệ (v/n): To defend / self-defense. This is the action typically taken before a "phản kích."

Synonyms

• Counterattack: To attack in return.
• Retaliate: To return an attack or harmful action.
• Strike back: To hit or attack in response.
• Riposte: A quick, clever reply or counteraction.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Phản kích như vũ bão: To counterattack like a storm (i.e., with overwhelming force and speed).
  • Sau thất bại ban đầu, đội chủ nhà phản kích như vũ bão. (After the initial loss, the home team counterattacked like a storm.)
• Chớp thời cơ phản kích: To seize the opportunity to counterattack.
  • Họ chớp thời cơ phản kích khi đối phương sơ hở. (They seized the opportunity to counterattack when the opponent was off guard.)