1. An attack by a defending force against an attacking enemy force in order to regain lost ground or cut off enemy advance units etc.
   "The general ordered a counterattack to push back the enemy's advance";
   - countermove
    
2. (chess) an attack that is intended to counter the opponent's advantage in another part of the board
   "Her clever counterattack neutralized her opponent's strong position";
   - counterplay

1. Make a counterattack
   "The army prepared to counterattack after the enemy's initial assault";
   - counterstrike

Derived forms: counterattacks, counterattacking, counterattacked

Type of: assail, attack, onrush, onset, onslaught

Encyclopedia: Counterattack