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Counterattack: meaning, definitions and examples

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counterattack

 

[ ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

military

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

Synonyms

counteroffensive, counterstrike, retaliation

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

Examples of usage

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

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

Etymology

The term 'counterattack' originated in the military context, where it refers to a strategic response to an enemy's attack. The concept of counterattacking has been an essential part of warfare throughout history, as armies seek to regain lost ground or repel enemy advances. The effectiveness of a counterattack often depends on timing, coordination, and surprise. Over time, the term has also been used in non-military contexts to describe a forceful response or retaliation in various situations.

See also: attack, attackable, attacker, attacking, attacks.

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.