1.
counterattack, retaliation, striking back
An attack made in response to an enemy's attack. Used in military, sports, debate, and figurative contexts.
反撃に出る。
Launch a counterattack.
後半から反撃が始まった。
The counterattack began in the second half.
批判に対して反撃の声明を出した。
They issued a statement striking back against the criticism.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 反撃に出る (go on the counterattack)
- 反撃を開始する (begin a counterattack)
- 反撃に転じる (turn to a counterattack)
- 反撃の機会 (opportunity to strike back)
USAGE NOTES:
Frequently used in sports commentary (especially soccer, baseball, and martial arts), military history, and political debate. In sports, the phrase 反撃の狼煙を上げる (raise the signal fire of counterattack) is a dramatic expression meaning to begin a comeback.