counterattack
KOWN-ter-uh-tak
/ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk/
An attack made in response to an attack by an opponent, often occurring immediately after regaining possession.
A counterattack relies on speed and the fact that the opponent is 'out of position' because they were just attacking.
The story behind the word. Combines 'counter' (from the Latin 'contra,' meaning 'against') with 'attack.' It is literally an attack that goes against the flow of the opponent's attack.
Word relationships
- breakaway: A breakaway is specifically one or two players running free; a counterattack is a team-wide tactical response.
- retreat: A retreat is moving back to a defensive position without attacking.
Commonly confused with
- fast break: In basketball, a fast break is a specific type of counterattack focused on speed before the defense sets up.
Word family
- counter (verb): To speak or act in opposition to.
Collocations
- swift counterattack
- lethal counterattack
- launch a counterattack
- score on the counterattack
Example sentences
- "They are a dangerous team on the counterattack, using their wingers' speed to catch defenders off guard." Soccer
- "The company launched a marketing counterattack after their competitor released a new product." General strategy
Memory hook
You 'counter' their move with your own 'attack.' The quick response.
When not to use
Don't use it for a slow, built-up attack; it must be a response to the opponent's move.
Fun facts
- Some of the most famous goals in World Cup history have been scored on the counterattack, often traveling the full length of the pitch in seconds.
Related words
Also appears in
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