Definition

To move in the opposite direction, especially in a military formation or as a response to a previous march.

Example

The soldiers were ordered to countermarch after realizing they had gone the wrong way.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how the parade countermarches when they reach the end?

Yeah, it's really impressive to watch them switch directions.

I wonder how they manage to countermarch so smoothly.

It takes a lot of practice, but it definitely looks cool!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Countermarch → It is formed from "counter-" (meaning against) and "march" (from Old French *marcher*, meaning to walk or move). The word describes the act of marching in the opposite direction or against a previous movement.

Memory Tip

Think of marching 'against' ('counter-') a previous direction — that's what countermarch means.

Visually Confused Words