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counterattack

[/ˈkaʊn.tər.əˌtæk/]
noun/verbpl: counterattacks
contra-ataque
1. (noun) An attack made in response to an attack by an opponent
The team launched a counterattack after defending their goal.
O time lançou um contra-ataque depois de defender seu gol.
2. (verb) To make an attack in response to an attack
The chess player decided to counterattack instead of defending passively.
O jogador de xadrez decidiu contra-atacar em vez de se defender passivamente.
3. (noun) A military offensive launched in response to an enemy attack
The general ordered a counterattack to regain the lost territory.
O general ordenou um contra-ataque para recuperar o território perdido.
Synonyms
retaliationripostecomebackretaliatory strike
Antonyms
defenseretreatsurrender

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
contra-ataque
Standard usage in sports and military contexts
São Paulo
contra-ataque
Common in sports commentary and tactical discussions
Portugal
contra-ataque
Standard usage, sometimes written as two words in formal military texts

Related Idioms & Phrases

launch a counterattack
mount a counterattack
swift counterattack
fierce counterattack
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