counterassaults
Retaliatory military strikes
Counterassaults are attacks launched in response to an enemy's assault—offensive actions taken while defending.
The term appears in military contexts where forces under attack strike back rather than merely holding position: The battalion launched counterassaults on three fronts.
The singular counterassault describes a single such action.
Punitive response to injury
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
revenge · countermeasure · countermove · counterpunch · riposte · backlash · reciprocity · requital
Retaliatory military action
- counteroffensiveRetaliatory military operation
- counterblowRetaliatory strike
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
flanking · ambush · pincer movement · encirclement · firefight · combined arms · maneuver · sortie
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- garrisonStationed military force
- strongholdFortified place of defense
- bastionFortified defensive position
rampart · bulwark · redoubt · palisade · parry · repel · deflect · guard
Arranging for future events
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- preemptionActing to prevent another's action
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- logisticsCoordination of complex activities
campaign · attrition · feint · timing · coordination · massing · reserve forces · counterintelligence
retaliation
Punitive response to injury
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
payback · revenge · countermeasure · countermove · counterpunch · riposte · backlash · reciprocity · requital · redress
counterstrike
Retaliatory military action
- counteroffensiveRetaliatory military operation
- counterblowRetaliatory strike
- reprisalPunitive action in return
retaliation · flanking · ambush · pincer movement · encirclement · firefight · combined arms · maneuver · sortie · sally
fortification
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- garrisonStationed military force
- strongholdFortified place of defense
bastion · rampart · bulwark · redoubt · palisade · parry · repel · deflect · guard · resistance
planning
Arranging for future events
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- preemptionActing to prevent another's action
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
logistics · campaign · attrition · feint · timing · coordination · massing · reserve forces · counterintelligence · contingency
counterassaultspreemptive strikes
Offensive action forestalling threat
surprise attacks · aggression · ambushes · invasions · incursions
counterassaultsdefenses
Means of protection
defensive positions · fortifications · retreats · withdrawals · holding actions
counterassaultssurrenders
Ceases resistance formally
capitulations · passive resistance · nonresistance · ceasefires · truces