counterattack
Strike back maneuver
A counterattack is an attack made in response to an enemy's attack, aimed at regaining lost ground or seizing the initiative: The army launched a counterattack at dawn.
The term extends beyond military contexts to sports, business, and debate—any situation where one responds to aggression with aggression: Her counterattack on his arguments was devastating.
The verb form works the same way: They counterattacked immediately.
Punishing a wrongdoer
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- backlashStrong negative reaction
response · counterblow · counterstrike · counterpunch · rebuttal · tit-for-tat · reciprocation · vengeance
Violent offensive act
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- flankSide of body
- raidSudden armed incursion
- sortieArmed raid outward
thrust · charge · offensive · strike · repulse · skirmish · engagement · infantry
Deceptive mock attack
- pincerGrasping claw organ
- diversionRedirection of attention
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
maneuver · envelopment · harassment · interdiction · reconnaissance · blitzkrieg · deployment · surprise
Order to pay
- captureTake into custody
- forkTined eating tool
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
- tempoRate of musical performance
sacrifice · defence · gambit · skewer · initiative · deflection · tactic · combination
revenge
Punishing a wrongdoer
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
backlash · response · counterblow · counterstrike · counterpunch · rebuttal · tit-for-tat · reciprocation · vengeance · comeback
assault
Violent offensive act
sortie · thrust · charge · offensive · strike · repulse · skirmish · engagement · infantry · resistance
feint
Deceptive mock attack
- pincerGrasping claw organ
- diversionRedirection of attention
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
tactics · maneuver · envelopment · harassment · interdiction · reconnaissance · blitzkrieg · deployment · surprise · timing
check
Order to pay
tempo · sacrifice · defence · gambit · skewer · initiative · deflection · tactic · combination · refutation
rebound
Return after deflection
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- fastbreakRapid offensive push
- transitionChange from one state
turnover · interception · breakaway · outlet · rush · blitz · sack · tackle · pressing · turnabout
- Roman warfarelegion, cohort, centurion, Caesar, testudo
- infantry tacticsfire and maneuver, flanking maneuver, battle drills, defensive positions, ambush tactics
- Isonzo Fronttrench warfare, mountain warfare, mountain troops, Asiago, Diaz
- Soccergoal, soccer, pass, football, goalkeeper
- aggressionhostility, violence, fight, combativeness, aggression
- cyclingbikes, bicycles, cycling, cyclist, cyclists
counterattackretreat
Sanctuary or withdrawal
withdrawal · surrender · capitulation · defense · stand down
counterattackfirst strike
Initiating combat unprovoked
attack · offensive · preemptive strike · assault · aggression
counterattackforgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
pardon · reconciliation · acceptance · sympathy · mercy
counterattacks, counterattacked, counterattacking, counterattacker