counterattack
Translation
counter-attack
Examples
They launched a swift counterattack.
They launched a swift counter-attack.
His speech was a counterattack against the criticism.
His speech was a counter-attack against the criticism.
Grammar Patterns
a counter-attack ((against sth./sb.)) The army launched a counter-attack against the invaders.
Similar Words
Synonyms: retaliation, reprisal, counteroffensive
Etymology
From the prefix 'counter-' (against) and 'attack'. It literally means 'an attack against an attack'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a boxing match: one boxer attacks, and the other immediately 'counters' with their own 'attack'.