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to counterclaim

to counterclaim

1 7.0
To make a claim in reply to another claim, often when you have been sued
  • verb
  • /ˈkaʊntərˌkleɪm/
  • Jargon
translation icon : contrademandar
  • Albania counterclaimed, asking the court to decide whether the "United Kingdom under international law violated the sovereignty of the Albanian People's Republic by reason of the acts of the Royal Navy in Albanian waters," and, if so, whether there was a duty to provide satisfaction.

Examples

  • Behrend's clients lost their case; the doctor sued for an additional $5,000 she was owed, and Behrend and his law firm counterclaimed for their damages.

    Academic text (1994)
  • In response, the Board counterclaimed, appealing the administrative decision and filing a motion for summary judgment.

    Blog text (4)
  • The Pickles's counterclaimed for rescission and filed a third party complaint against the Barnes's.

  • The plaintiff counterclaimed that the insurer breached the duty of explanation under the Korean Act for regulating General Terms (hereinafter "the Act").

    Academic text (2017)
  • The defense attorney decided to counterclaim after the plaintiff made allegations of negligence.

  • After the original claim was filed, the company chose to counterclaim for damages related to breach of contract.

  • In court, the defendant will counterclaim to dispute the accusations made against her.

Synonyms

to contest
vsto counterclaim
  • Formal
65 4.6

To officially disagree with a result and try to change it

is a responsive opposition to a prior assertion rather than a general challenge
to countersue
vsto counterclaim
5 6.3

Take someone to court after they take you to court

is a response opposing a previous assertion not limited to legal action
to counterargue
vsto counterclaim
6.0

To answer an argument with an opposing idea

is a reply that opposes by making a formal allegation rather than reasoning alone

How Assertive

to sue
3.7
to counterclaim
  • Jargon
1 7.0
to claim
2.3
to complain
1.0

Surface Forms

counterclaim infinitive
counterclaimed past participle
counterclaiming present participle
counterclaims third person singular

Morphology

counterclaim = claim (transparent) = counter + claim

Formed by adding the productive prefix 'counter-' to the verb 'claim' to indicate making a claim in opposition, a straightforward morphological operation.

Etymology

Counterclaim the verb is formed from counter ('against') and claim ('to say you want or have a right to something'). To counterclaim is to make a claim 'against' someone else's claim, for example in a lawsuit.