counterattack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in news, military, sports, and strategic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “counterattack” mean?
An attack made in response to an attack by an enemy or opponent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An attack made in response to an attack by an enemy or opponent.
A strong, decisive, and often immediate response to criticism, an accusation, or a setback in any competitive situation (sports, politics, business, debate).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English more commonly uses the hyphenated form 'counter-attack' as a noun and verb, while American English strongly prefers the solid 'counterattack'. Both are correct in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Associated with tactical, deliberate, and forceful response.
Frequency
Similar frequency; slightly more common in American media due to prevalence of sports and military commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “counterattack” in a Sentence
[Subject] + counterattack + (against + [Opponent/Attack])[Subject] + launch/mount + a + counterattack[Subject] + be + under + counterattackVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “counterattack” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team counter-attacked swiftly after conceding the goal.
- The minister counter-attacked by questioning the journalist's motives.
American English
- The general ordered his forces to counterattack at dawn.
- He counterattacked with a lawsuit of his own.
adjective
British English
- Their counter-attack strategy relied on speed.
- The counter-attacking move caught everyone off guard.
American English
- The quarterback is known for his counterattack plays.
- We need a strong counterattack plan ready.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a company's strategic move to regain market share after a competitor's successful product launch, e.g., 'The tech giant launched a pricing counterattack.'
Academic
Used in history, political science, and military studies to analyse reactive strategies in conflicts and debates.
Everyday
Used in sports commentary ('a brilliant counterattack from the home team') or in arguments/discussions ('She prepared a sharp counterattack to his critique').
Technical
Core term in military doctrine and strategy, referring to a tactical operation against an attacking force.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “counterattack”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “counterattack”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “counterattack”
- Misspelling as two words: 'counter attack'.
- Using it for a passive or weak response; it implies force and initiative.
- Overusing in non-competitive contexts where 'response' or 'reply' is sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one solid word, especially in American English. British English often accepts the hyphenated form 'counter-attack'. Two separate words ('counter attack') are generally considered incorrect.
Yes, it is frequently used metaphorically in business, politics, sports, and debate to describe a strong, retaliatory move against criticism or competition.
'Retaliate' is a broader verb meaning to return like for like, often emphasizing revenge. 'Counterattack' is more specific, implying a direct, tactical, and often immediate offensive response to an attack, focusing on regaining advantage.
Primary stress is on the first syllable: COUN-ter-at-tack. Secondary stress is typically on the last syllable.
An attack made in response to an attack by an enemy or opponent.
Counterattack is usually neutral to formal; common in news, military, sports, and strategic contexts. in register.
Counterattack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊn(t)ərəˌtæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be] quick on the counterattack”
- “turn defence into attack”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COUNTER in a shop hitting back (ATTACK) after being robbed – a COUNTER-ATTACK.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT/COMPETITION IS WAR (e.g., 'She counterattacked his claims with solid data.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'counterattack' LEAST appropriate?