counteraggression
noun
coun·ter·ag·gres·sion
ˌkau̇n-tər-ə-ˈgre-shən
variants
or counter-aggression
plural counteraggressions or counter-aggressions
: an act of aggression (such as an attack) that is undertaken in response to another's aggression
… the limited importance of deterrence could partially explain why revenge is more effective in triggering counteraggressions and feuds than in avoiding them.—Francesa Giardini and Rosaria Conte
also
: the practice of undertaking such acts
Violence, especially political violence, is usually a pattern of aggression and counteraggression that has a history and which stretches back deep into time. —Simon Critchley
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share