counterattack
UK[ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk]US[ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk]
n
An attack made in response to an attack by an enemy or opponent.
v
To attack in response to an attack by an enemy or opponent.
Morpheme Breakdown
counter
attack
counter
against
attack
strike
Etymology
The word "counterattack" is a transparent compound formed within English from the prefix "counter-" and the noun/verb "attack". The prefix "counter-" entered English via Anglo-French from the Latin preposition contra, meaning "against" or "opposite". The word "attack" has a more complex journey, likely originating from a Germanic root meaning "to attach" (as in nailing or fastening something), which evolved in Vulgar Latin and Old French to signify a hostile "joining" or assault. The logic of the compound is direct and military: a "counterattack" is literally an attack made against an initial attack, embodying the concept of retaliatory or defensive offensive action. This formation follows a common pattern in English for creating terms of opposition, such as "counterargument" or "countermeasure".
Analysis
Structure: counter (against) + attack (strike)
- counter: From Latin contra (against, opposite). A prefix indicating opposition, retaliation, or correspondence.
- attack: From Old French ataquer, likely from a Germanic root meaning "to attach, join". In this context, it functions as a noun/verb meaning to act aggressively against.
Examples
The general ordered a swift counterattack to regain the lost territory.
After defending for most of the match, the team launched a brilliant counterattack and scored.
In the debate, she prepared a strong counterattack to her opponent's main point.