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
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
Simon Critchley Cite this Entry
“Counteraggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counteraggression. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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