counter-offensive

[/ˌkaʊn.tər.əˈfen.sɪv/]
nounpl: counter-offensives
contra-ofensiva
1. a military attack launched in response to an enemy's offensive, designed to regain lost ground or gain strategic advantage
The army launched a counter-offensive to push back the invading forces.
O exército lançou uma contra-ofensiva para repelir as forças invasoras.
2. any aggressive response or action taken in reply to an attack or criticism
The company's counter-offensive against the negative publicity included a major advertising campaign.
A contra-ofensiva da empresa contra a publicidade negativa incluiu uma grande campanha de marketing.
3. a strategic move to regain initiative after being placed on the defensive
After losing the first set, the tennis player mounted a counter-offensive to win the match.
Depois de perder o primeiro set, a tenista lançou uma contra-ofensiva para vencer a partida.
The term is widely used in both military and business contexts in Brazil and the United States. In Brazil, it gained prominence during discussions of military history and sports coverage. In American culture, it's frequently employed in business, politics, and sports to describe aggressive strategic responses to setbacks or attacks. The metaphorical use has become more common than strictly military applications in contemporary usage.
NYC Slang
comeback move, power play, come-back offense
Synonyms / Sinônimos
counterattackretaliationcomebackriposteresponse
Antonyms / Antônimos
retreatdefensewithdrawalsurrender

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
contra-ofensiva
standard term used in military and strategic contexts
São Paulo
contra-ofensiva
common usage in business and sports commentary
Rio de Janeiro
contra-ofensiva
used in formal and informal contexts
Portugal
contra-ofensiva
identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese in military terminology

Related Words

offensivedefenseattackstrategymilitary operationretaliation

Related Idioms & Phrases

mount a counter-offensive
launch a counter-offensive
on the counter-offensive
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