counterattack

Examples

• All

• Israel's leaders agreed and decided to launch a large-scale counterattack, using IDV plans that had been prepared in advance.

  Academic text (2006)

• We regroup our forces for a counterattack

  Left Behind: World at War (2005)

• You men will be the first wave in our counterattack.

  Independence Day (1996)

• The first two ships are in position for counterattack.

  The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

• So what's the plan for the counterattack?

  Disturbia (2007)

• You could have warned us before we launched a counterattack that cost us hundreds of American pilots!

  Fiction book (1996)

• "They say their army's ready for any counterattack from the north."

  Path to War (2003)

• American representatives at the United Nations and elsewhere in Paris soon launched a counterattack on the CRC appeal.

  Academic text (1997)

• The EPLA later recovered their lost ground in a series of counterattacks.

  Academic text (1990)

• The second half began where the first one left off, with England and Algeria exchanging counterattacks.

  Academic text (2010)

Synonyms

R

reprisal

vscounterattack

• Formal

37 8.3

An action that hurts someone in return for an attack

is a prompt military response aimed at stopping advance rather than revenge motive

C

counteroffensive

vscounterattack

• Specialized

4 8.8

A large military attack by a defending army to push back attackers

is any response attack often aimed at regaining ground rather than large scale

C

counterpunch

vscounterattack

3 6.5

A punch thrown back at an opponent after they attack

is a general responsive attack used across battlefields, not just in boxing

C

countermove

vscounterattack

2 6.7

An action to respond to an opponent and get back an advantage

is specifically an attack used to regain ground rather than any responsive move

R

riposte

vscounterattack

• Specialized

1 9.4

A quick counterattack after blocking an opponent's lunge

is any response attack not restricted to fencing timing or technique

P

pushback

vscounterattack

1 6.2

An attack that forces enemy soldiers to move back

is focused on regaining ground or stopping an advance rather than only retreat

R

rollback

vscounterattack

• Jargon

1 7.5

Forcing enemy soldiers to withdraw to regain lost land

is an immediate tactical response rather than a broader strategic reversal

C

counterplay

vscounterattack

• Jargon

1 8.2

Moves that attack to reduce an opponent's advantage

is used for physical combat to regain ground rather than game strategy

C

counterthrust

vscounterattack

• Specialized

8.1

A quick attack made in response to an opponent's move, often in fencing

is often larger or aimed at holding ground rather than being very quick

C

counterblow

vscounterattack

7.9

A hit given back after an attack

is a broader response action used to stop advance or reclaim ground

C

countershot

vscounterattack

8.5

A shot made in reply to another person's shot

is a wider response attack not limited to shooting actions

C

counterbombardment

vscounterattack

• Specialized

9.9

An attack using heavy guns to destroy the enemy's weapons

is a response attack that focuses on regaining ground or stopping advances

Antonyms

D

to defend

∞ 1.3

To protect people and things from attack or harm

R

retreat

93 4.4

A move back from a place to escape danger

How Strong

counteroffensive

• Specialized

4 8.8

offensive

159 7.4

counterattack

28 4.3

raid

373 4.9

skirmish

22 6.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology