countermove
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkaʊntərmuːv/
KK: /ˈkaʊntərˌmuːv/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a move in response to an action, often as a way to counter or oppose it.
Example
After the opponent made a strong play, she decided to countermove with a strategic defense.
Tense Forms
Past: countermoved
Past Participle: countermoved
Conversation
I saw you playing chess yesterday; do you often have to countermove your opponent?
Yeah, it's essential to stay ahead in the game.
What do you usually do when you need to countermove?
I try to stay calm and think a few steps ahead.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
respond
retaliate
react
Antonyms
submit
yield
surrender
noun
Definition
A move that is made in response to another action, often to counter or oppose it.
Example
The chess player made a clever countermove to defend against his opponent's strategy.
Conversation
Did you see how she made a countermove during the game yesterday?
Yeah, it was really impressive!
I thought it was a smart way to handle the situation.
Root Explanation
Countermove → It is formed from "counter-" (meaning against) and "move" (from Old French *movoir*, meaning to move). The word describes a move made in response to another move, typically in a strategic context.
Memory Tip
Think of making a move 'against' ('counter-') another move — that's why a countermove is a response to an opponent's action.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.