WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

counterattack
    n 1: an attack by a defending force against an attacking enemy
         force in order to regain lost ground or cut off enemy
         advance units etc. [syn: counterattack, countermove]
    2: (chess) an attack that is intended to counter the opponent's
       advantage in another part of the board [syn: counterattack,
       counterplay]
    v 1: make a counterattack [syn: counterattack,
         counterstrike]