counterstrike
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkaʊntərˌstraɪk/
KK: /ˈkaʊntərˌstraɪk/
noun
Definition
A tactic used in military or strategic situations where one side responds to an attack by launching an immediate counterattack.
Example
The general ordered a counterstrike to regain control of the territory.
Conversation
Did you see that last game?
Yeah, the team really needed a good counterstrike after falling behind.
Exactly! That quick response turned the game around.
It was impressive how they executed that counterstrike so well!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
retaliation
rebuttal
reversal
Antonyms
submission
surrender
yielding
verb
Definition
To make a retaliatory attack in response to an initial strike or action.
Example
The army decided to counterstrike after the enemy's surprise attack.
Tense Forms
Past: counterstruck
Past Participle: counterstruck
Conversation
Did you see that last match?
Yeah, it was intense! I loved how they managed to counterstrike at the last moment.
Right? That counterstrike turned the whole game around.
Root Explanation
Counterstrike → It is formed from "counter-" (meaning against) and "strike" (from Old English "strican", meaning to hit or strike). The word "counterstrike" means to hit back or retaliate against an attack.
Memory Tip
Think of 'counter-' meaning against and 'strike' meaning to hit — this helps you remember that a counterstrike is a response to an attack.
Visually Confused Words
understrike
outstrike