1. to attack in return or in response to an attack
The team decided to counterattack after losing possession.
O time decidiu contra-atacar após perder a posse de bola.
2. to respond to criticism or opposition with a defensive or offensive move
The politician counterattacked the accusations with evidence.
O político contra-atacou as acusações com provas.
3. in military context, to launch a retaliatory offensive
The army prepared to counterattack the enemy position.
O exército se preparou para contra-atacar a posição inimiga.