countercharge
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈkaʊntərˌtʃɑrdʒ//
KK: /ˈkaʊntərˌtʃɑrdʒ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To respond to an accusation or charge with a similar accusation or charge.
Example
After being accused of misconduct, he decided to countercharge his opponent with similar claims.
Tense Forms
Past: countercharged
Past Participle: countercharged
Conversation
Did you hear about the argument they had last night?
Yeah, it got really heated!
I think she might countercharge him soon.
That would definitely add more drama to the situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
retaliate
respond
rebut
Antonyms
submit
yield
accept
noun
Definition
A claim or accusation made in response to another claim or accusation.
Example
The lawyer filed a countercharge against the plaintiff for defamation.
Conversation
Did you hear about the debate last night?
Yeah, it got really heated, especially with that countercharge from the other team.
I know! It was surprising how they turned things around.
Root Explanation
Countercharge → It is formed from "counter-" (meaning against) and "charge" (from Old French *charger*, meaning to load or impose). The word "countercharge" refers to a charge made in response to another charge, essentially an accusation made against an accusation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'counter-' meaning against, and 'charge' meaning to impose something — so a countercharge is an accusation made against another accusation.
Visually Confused Words
undercharge
intercharge
undercharged