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Counterattack: meaning, definitions and examples

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counterattack

 

[ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military

A counterattack is an attack that is made in response to an enemy's attack.

Synonyms

counteroffensive, counterstrike, retaliation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
counterattack

Used to describe a military or tactical response to an attack by the enemy, often immediately after being attacked.

  • The soldiers launched a counterattack right after the enemy breached the fortress
retaliation

Used to describe an act of revenge or payback in both military and non-military contexts. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • The country threatened retaliation after the unprovoked attack
  • She planned her retaliation after being humiliated in public
counteroffensive

Used in more strategic and large-scale scenarios, where an organized and planned military operation aims to regain lost territory or turn the tide of the conflict.

  • The army's counteroffensive was successful, reclaiming the city from enemy forces
counterstrike

Typically used in a military context, indicating a precise and often sudden military action taken in response to an initial strike.

  • The general ordered a counterstrike to neutralize the enemy's advancing units

Examples of usage

  • The troops launched a counterattack to push back the enemy forces.
  • The counterattack was successful in regaining control of the territory.
Context #2 | Verb

military

To counterattack means to launch an attack in response to an enemy's attack.

Synonyms

counterstrike, retaliate, strike back.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
counterattack

Typically used in military or strategic scenarios where one side responds to an initial attack with an attack of their own.

  • The army launched a powerful counterattack at dawn.
  • The team planned a counterattack to regain control of the game.
retaliate

Mostly used in everyday language and legal contexts to indicate a response to some harm or wrongdoing, often with a connotation of revenge. May carry a negative feeling.

  • She decided not to retaliate after being insulted.
  • The company retaliated against the whistleblower.
strike back

Commonly used in both literal and figurative situations to suggest a response to an attack or criticism, with the aim of defending oneself.

  • After being criticized, he decided to strike back with a series of tweets.
  • The boxer managed to strike back in the final round.
counterstrike

Often used in military, gaming, or tactical situations to describe a deliberate and strong act of striking back against an adversary.

  • The special forces prepared for a counterstrike against the terrorists.
  • In the game, the player must execute a counterstrike to win.

Examples of usage

  • The army decided to counterattack the enemy positions.
  • The decision to counterattack caught the enemy by surprise.

Interesting Facts

Military History

  • Counterattacks have been a crucial part of military strategy throughout history, such as during World War II when forces often used them to reclaim territory.
  • Famous examples include the D-Day counterattacks by Allied forces, which turned the tide of the war in Europe.
  • These responses can use surprise and speed to exploit an enemy's weaknesses, often leading to decisive victories.

Sports

  • In sports like soccer, counterattacks are a key strategy, where teams quickly switch from defense to offense after regaining possession.
  • Basketball teams use counterattacks to exploit fast breaks, aiming for a quick shot before the opposing team can set up their defense.
  • Counterattacking in sports requires agility and quick thinking, emphasizing teamwork and precision.

Psychology

  • In conflict resolution, a counterattack in verbal disputes might involve defending oneself against criticism, which can sometimes escalate tensions.
  • Cognitive responses in individuals may lead to defensive behaviors, where perceived attacks result in sharpened counterattacks during disagreements.
  • Understanding how and when to counterattack in discussions can help in managing conflicts effectively without further inflaming the situation.

Literature

  • The concept of counterattack appears in many stories where heroes respond decisively to a villain’s initial threat, illustrating the theme of resilience.
  • In classical literature, characters often face challenges and must plan counterattacks to overcome their adversaries, showcasing strategic thinking.
  • Epic poems frequently highlight counterattacks as moments of pivotal character development, revealing their true strengths and ingenuity.

Translations

Translations of the word "counterattack" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contra-ataque

🇮🇳 प्रत्याक्रमण

🇩🇪 Gegenangriff

🇮🇩 serangan balik

🇺🇦 контратака

🇵🇱 kontratak

🇯🇵 反撃 (はんげき)

🇫🇷 contre-attaque

🇪🇸 contraataque

🇹🇷 karşı saldırı

🇰🇷 반격 (반격)

🇸🇦 هجوم مضاد

🇨🇿 protiútok

🇸🇰 protiofenzíva

🇨🇳 反击 (反击)

🇸🇮 protinapad

🇮🇸 gagnárás

🇰🇿 қарымта шабуыл

🇬🇪 კონტრშეტევა

🇦🇿 əks-hücum

🇲🇽 contraataque

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,519, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.