Need another word for Counterattack? Use these synonyms of Counterattack from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
retaliation
reprisal
retort
comeback
countermeasure
countermove
counterstrike
counterblow
riposte
rejoinder
response
reaction
reply
defense
offence
attack
counteroffensive
resistance
opposition
rebuff
repulse
revenge
vengeance
retribution
punishment
penalty
counterassault
countercharge
counterthrust
Meaning of Counterattack
A counterattack is a military tactic or strategic move where an individual or group launches an offensive action in response to an initial attack.
Definitions
- A counterattack is an attack made in response to an enemy's attack, typically with the aim of regaining lost ground or gaining an advantage.
- * In a broader sense, a counterattack can refer to any action or move made in response to an opponent's or adversary's action, with the aim of gaining the upper hand or defending one's position.
Etymology of Counterattack
The word "counterattack" originated in the mid-17th century, derived from the prefix "counter-" meaning "against" or "opposite", and the word "attack", which comes from the Old French word "attaker", meaning "to attack" or "to assail".
Historically, the term "counterattack" was first used in a military context to describe a tactical maneuver where a defending force launches a sudden and decisive attack against an enemy that has already initiated an assault.
Example Uses
- The army launched a counterattack against the enemy's position, catching them off guard and gaining a strategic advantage.
- * In response to the company's aggressive marketing campaign, our team launched a counterattack with a series of targeted advertisements.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
surrender
retreat
withdrawal
defeat
submission
acquiescence
compliance
concession
yielding
capitulation
compromise
appeasement
peacefulness
passivity
inaction
inertness
idleness
dormancy
stagnation
inactivity