counteraggression

noun

coun·​ter·​ag·​gres·​sion ˌkau̇n-tər-ə-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce counteraggression (audio)
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

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counteraggression was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near counteraggression

Cite this Entry

“Counteraggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counteraggression. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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