Counterattack: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.