countercharge
|coun-ter-charge|
🇺🇸
/ˈkaʊn.tɚ.tʃɑrdʒ/
🇬🇧
/ˈkaʊn.tə.tʃɑːdʒ/
an attack or accusation in return
Etymology
'countercharge' is formed from the prefix 'counter-' (meaning 'against' or 'in opposition to') and the noun/verb 'charge'. 'counter-' originates from Latin 'contra' via Old French, where it carried the sense 'against'; 'charge' comes from Old French 'chargier' (to load, burden, entrust) from Late Latin 'carricare'.
'counter-' + 'charge' were combined in English (from the 18th–19th centuries in usages relating to military action and legal/political responses) to form 'countercharge', meaning initially a physical counter-charge and later extended to mean a counter-accusation.
Originally used chiefly for a physical or military 'charge in reply', its meaning broadened to include a figurative 'charge'—an accusation made in response to another accusation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an accusation made in response to another accusation; a charge brought against someone who has alleged wrongdoing.
The mayor's countercharge shifted attention away from the original allegations.
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Noun 2
a military or physical attack made in response to an enemy's charge; a counterattack.
The regiment launched a swift countercharge that forced the enemy to retreat.
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Verb 1
to accuse someone in return; to make a countercharge against someone who has accused you.
She countercharged after being publicly blamed for the error.
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Verb 2
to launch a counterattack in response to an attack or charge.
The troops countercharged and regained the lost ground.
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Last updated: 2025/10/18 11:28