counterinvasion

noun

coun·​ter·​in·​va·​sion ˌkau̇n-tər-in-ˈvā-zhən How to pronounce counterinvasion (audio)
variants or counter-invasion
plural counterinvasions or counter-invasions
: an invasion that is undertaken by a defending force against an enemy invader
Even border fortifications can permit an attacker to mass forces for invasion while allocating few forces to defend the fortified border against a counterinvasion.James M. Garrett

Examples of counterinvasion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Taiwan's counterinvasion strategy is to use U.S.-provided anti-ship weapons to sink as much of the Chinese armada as possible. Jamie McIntyre, Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2021 The theater task force organized its own counterinvasion exercise back in December. David Axe, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterinvasion was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near counterinvasion

Cite this Entry

“Counterinvasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterinvasion. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!