counterattack

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "counterattack" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a strategy of attacking back in return to an attack. For example: After the enemy's surprise attack, our platoon was prepared to launch a counterattack.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Welsh back row, reunited after an ankle injury to Dan Lydiate, helped give Wales a solid forward platform and what is left of Wales's back line played with ambition personified by a counterattack from behind his own line in the first half by Scott Williams which could have given North his second try.

The Guardian - Sport

The teenage opener Usman Ghani clipped a leg-stump half-volley to straight midwicket in the first over from Australia's first-change and Asghar Stanikzai's attempt to counterattack resulted in a scythe down to third man, where Smith ran back and avoided a collision with Mitchell Marsh to take a steepling catch.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Equality groups ready for counterattack against wave of anti-gay bills across US Just a year ago, when a similar religious freedom bill was under consideration in Arizona, a handful of companies joined LGBT advocates in protest, but the reaction was not nearly as decisive – or as overwhelming a national outcry.

The Guardian

If they could be held, a German counterattack on the eastern flank of the allied forces landing at Sword beach could be prevented.

The Guardian

Sun 5pm Columbus Crew Stadium Ian Fraser, Crew Union, Columbus Crew: Columbus almost did what it has done on the road for most of the season last week but they forgot one key piece of their counterattack tactics – defending.

The Guardian - Sport

Brussels has launched a ferocious counterattack against David Cameron over immigration, saying his talk of benefit tourism and a something-for-nothing culture among EU migrants is unintelligent and risks stoking "knee-jerk xenophobia".

The Guardian

"I've been on FaceTime with him this week and he's been demonstrating bits and pieces on the counterattack," she says, "with my brother pulling faces in the background and me laughing away.

The Guardian - Sport

But although Luis Enrique's side enjoyed the lion's share of possession, PSG were dangerous on the counterattack and would have scored more with better finishing.

The Guardian - Sport

The best opportunity came to Jonny Howson in the 39th minute after a counterattack led by Hoolahan, but Howson's rushed shot barely even made it into the box, Tyrone Mings blocking it easily.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, Clinton's team has begun a counterattack as Republicans seize on Schweizer's book to attack the former secretary of state's integrity.

The Guardian

Miralem Pjanic finished off a swift counterattack for Roma from the centre of the area in the 25th minute, when Alessandro Florenzi set him up after a string of precise passes and his low shot beat keeper Mariano Andujar.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "counterattack" in military contexts, specify the type of attack (e.g., "aerial counterattack", "ground counterattack") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "counterattack" to describe an initial offensive. "Counterattack" inherently implies a response to a prior attack; using it otherwise is grammatically incorrect and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The term "counterattack" functions both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an attack made in response to one's opponent attack. As a verb, it describes the action of launching such an attack. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "counterattack" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting a responsive action to an initial attack. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical standing and wide applicability across various domains. Predominantly used in news, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts, it maintains a neutral tone. To ensure accuracy, remember that "counterattack" always implies a reaction and should not be used for initial offensives. Consider using related terms like "retaliatory strike" or "riposte" to add nuance to your writing. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica, "counterattack" remains a versatile and crucial term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retaliatory strike

Focuses specifically on a military or forceful response, implying a direct act of vengeance or defense.

meet force with force

Emphasizes a balanced and equivalent response, implying a measured and proportional reaction.

strike back

Suggests a more immediate and forceful reaction, often in a physical or combative sense.

take retaliatory action

Formal and emphasizes the planned and deliberate nature of response.

respond in kind

Implies mirroring the initial action, whether positive or negative, with a similar response.

reverse the offensive

Implies a shift in momentum, turning a defensive position into an aggressive one.

launch a riposte

Highlights a quick, clever, or retaliatory response, often in a verbal or strategic context.

turn the tables

Suggests a complete reversal of fortune or position, placing the initial attacker at a disadvantage.

mount a defense

Emphasizes the act of protecting oneself or others, shifting focus from aggression to safeguarding.

repel the attack

Focuses on stopping the initial attack rather than initiating a new offensive action.

FAQs

How is "counterattack" used in military strategy?

In military strategy, "counterattack" refers to a tactical maneuver where an army responds to an enemy's attack with an offensive action, aiming to regain lost ground or disrupt the enemy's advance. It's different from a preemptive strike, which is an initial offensive.

What are some synonyms for "counterattack" in a business context?

In a business context, synonyms for "counterattack" include "retaliate", "respond in kind", or "mount a defense". These terms describe responding to competitive threats or negative actions from competitors.

Is it appropriate to use "counterattack" in a political debate?

Yes, "counterattack" can be used in a political debate to describe responding to criticisms or accusations from opponents. However, consider using softer terms like "riposte" or "rebuttal" depending on the desired tone.

What is the difference between "attack" and "counterattack"?

"Attack" is an initial offensive action, while "counterattack" is a response to an attack. A "counterattack" always follows an initial attack and aims to neutralize the opponent's advantage or reclaim lost territory.