counter-attack
Offensive after defending
A counter-attack is an attack made in response to an enemy's attack, intended to reverse momentum or exploit vulnerabilities created when the opponent committed to their offensive.
The term applies equally to military operations, sports strategy, and verbal exchanges.
The army launched a counter-attack at dawn while enemy forces were still regrouping.
As a verb, to counter-attack is to mount such a response.
The unhyphenated counterattack is equally common.
Defensive blade deflection
interception · clearance · breakaway · turnover · rebound · volley · smash · punch
Punitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- responseAnswer to stimulus
counterstrike · counterblow · counterpunch · countermove · backlash · reciprocation · vengeance · comeuppance
Defensive blade deflection
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- interceptionSeizing something in transit
- deflectionChange in trajectory
- repulseDrive back or disgust
rebuff · warding · fending · resistance · fortification · shielding · protection · garrison
Violent offensive act
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- raidSudden armed incursion
- flankingAt the sides of
ambush · maneuver · engagement · skirmish · incursion · sortie · pincer · blitz
Recovery after decline
- turnaroundShift in opposite direction
- rallyGathering for a cause
- resurgenceReturn after dormancy
- reboundReturn after deflection
revival · fightback · surge · reversal · recovery · bounce-back
Art of choosing moments
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- flankingAt the sides of
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- diversionRedirection of attention
reconnaissance · intelligence · coordination · deployment · logistics · planning · guerrilla · attrition
parry
Defensive blade deflection
tackle · interception · clearance · breakaway · turnover · rebound · volley · smash · punch · clinch
reprisal
Punitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
response · counterstrike · counterblow · counterpunch · countermove · backlash · reciprocation · vengeance · comeuppance · redress
parry
Defensive blade deflection
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- interceptionSeizing something in transit
- deflectionChange in trajectory
repulse · rebuff · warding · fending · resistance · fortification · shielding · protection · garrison · stronghold
assault
Violent offensive act
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- raidSudden armed incursion
flanking · ambush · maneuver · engagement · skirmish · incursion · sortie · pincer · blitz · charge
comeback
Recovery after decline
- turnaroundShift in opposite direction
- rallyGathering for a cause
- resurgenceReturn after dormancy
rebound · revival · fightback · surge · reversal · recovery · bounce-back
timing
Art of choosing moments
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- flankingAt the sides of
- feintDeceptive mock attack
diversion · reconnaissance · intelligence · coordination · deployment · logistics · planning · guerrilla · attrition · surprise
- self-defenseself-defense, martial arts, self-protection, karate, pepper spray
- tacticsmaneuver, gambit, ambush, counterstrike, flanking
- combat skillsgrappling, striking, blocking, parrying, dodging
- soccer tacticsformation, pressing, passing, high press, low block
- sports tacticszone defense, pick, formations, game plan, spacing
- swordplayfencer, swordsman, sword fighting, swordsmanship, parry
counter-attackattack
Aggressive act against another
first strike · offensive · assault · aggression · invasion
counter-attackpassive resistance
Opposing through peaceful noncompliance
capitulation · surrender · nonresistance · retreat · withdrawal
counterattack, counterattacks, counterattacked, counterattacking