counterattack

9 definitions • 13 examples

an attack intended to stop or oppose an attack by an enemy:

launch a counterattack Generals expect the insurgents to launch a counterattack.

counterattack on He led a counterattack on the enemy's supply lines.

counterattack against He ordered a swift counterattack against the invaders.

in politics, etc., criticism or arguments intended to stop or oppose someone who has opposed or criticized you:

counterattack on His counterattack on the witness targeted his moral character.

counterattack against The ad is intended to be an aggressive counterattack against the rightwing party.

launch a counterattack The Republicans have still not been able to launch a strong counterattack against the new healthcare system.

There were questions about his integrity, but he always had an explanation - and a counterattack.

in sports, a move forward in an attempt to score points, goals, etc., at a time when your opponent is moving in the opposite direction or trying to score:

Birmingham City were caught out by a counterattack in the last minute of the game.

an action in business intended to stop or oppose an action against you by a competitor:

launch a counterattack The tech giant launched a counterattack against its rival.

to attack an enemy in order to stop or oppose their attack on you:

The air force counterattacked and repelled the invasion.

to criticize or argue against an opponent who has criticized or opposed you:

Mr Deforge counterattacked by bringing charges for defamation.

in sports, to move forward in an attempt to score points, goals, etc., at a time when your opponent is moving forward or trying to score:

We have the ability to catch teams out by counterattacking with speed.

to take action against a competitor in business who has taken action against you:

Engineers from a rival company counterattacked with a new product.

an attack intended to stop or oppose an attack by an enemy or competitor