Counterattack (verb)

1. To make a sudden attack in return against an enemy who is attacking.
2. To launch a military attack against an enemy who is attacking or has just attacked.
3. To respond to an attack with a counterattack.
4. To attack an enemy who has just attacked in order to regain lost ground or gain advantage.
5. To take military action in response to an enemy's attack in order to regain control.

Origin:

From the latin contra + attack, meaning 'to attack in return'.

Examples:

1. The army launched a counterattack against the enemy forces to regain control of the territory.
2. The boxer counterattacked with a series of powerful punches, catching his opponent off guard.
3. The company counterattacked the criticism with a well-planned public relations campaign.
4. The team counterattacked in the second half, scoring several goals to secure the win.
5. The government counterattacked the rebels with a military operation to restore order.