counterfire
Shoot back tactically
Counterfire is military fire directed at enemy weapons positions, especially artillery or rocket launchers that are actively firing.
The goal is to suppress or destroy the source of incoming fire: Our batteries opened counterfire on the enemy positions.
The term appears in both conventional warfare and strategic contexts.
Sustained, overwhelming attack
- salvoSimultaneous weapons discharge
- volleySimultaneous firing burst
- batteryPortable electricity storage
- howitzerShort-barreled artillery piece
mortar · shelling · cannonade · ordnance · gunnery · trajectory · counterbattery · spotting
Forcible prevention or concealment
- neutralizationCanceling opposing forces
- interdictionAuthoritative prohibition or blockade
- preemptionActing to prevent another's action
- enfiladeFire along an axis
Retaliatory military action
- counterblowRetaliatory strike
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- responseAnswer to stimulus
- reactionResponse to stimulus
retribution · reciprocation · tit-for-tat · countermeasure · counteraction
Guarding against harm
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
- bunkerReinforced subterranean stronghold
- emplacementPrepared weapon position
- strongpointArea of greatest competence
barrage
Sustained, overwhelming attack
- salvoSimultaneous weapons discharge
- volleySimultaneous firing burst
- batteryPortable electricity storage
howitzer · mortar · shelling · cannonade · ordnance · gunnery · trajectory · counterbattery · spotting
suppression
Forcible prevention or concealment
- neutralizationCanceling opposing forces
- interdictionAuthoritative prohibition or blockade
- preemptionActing to prevent another's action
counterstrike
Retaliatory military action
- counterblowRetaliatory strike
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- responseAnswer to stimulus
reaction · retribution · reciprocation · tit-for-tat · countermeasure · counteraction
protection
Guarding against harm
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
- bunkerReinforced subterranean stronghold
- emplacementPrepared weapon position
counterfireopening fire
Beginning to discharge weapons
first strike · first shot · preemptive strike · unprovoked attack · surprise attack
counterfirecease-fire
Temporary halt to fighting
ceasefire · truce · armistice · stand-down · hold fire
counterfirepassive defense
Defense without counterattack
evasion · withdrawal · retreat · taking cover · absorption
fire, counter, wildfire, counteract, counterattack, crossfire, countersign, firefight, counter-attack