counterclaim

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​claim ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām 

: an opposing claim

especially : a claim brought by a defendant against a plaintiff in a legal action

counterclaim

2 of 2

verb

counterclaimed; counterclaiming; counterclaims

intransitive verb

: to enter or plead a counterclaim

transitive verb

: to ask in a counterclaim

Examples of counterclaim in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Amid the claims and counterclaims about negotiations to end the war, tensions between Moscow and NATO are likely to increase, especially if the alliance's European members bear more of the brunt of support for Ukraine. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

Each day brings a new round of claims and counterclaims, a confusing collision of the actual, the improbable, and the outright ridiculous. —Glenn Adamson, ARTnews.com, 16 Dec. 2024

Verb

And Democrats are still counterclaiming that nearly all the benefits of an extension will go to the rich and to large companies. —Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

The court also dismissed Windstream’s counterclaims against Aurelius. —Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1784, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1857, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

counterclaim

noun

coun·​ter·​claim

ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌklām

: an opposing claim

counterclaim verb

counterclaimant

-ˌklā-mənt

noun

Legal Definition

counterclaim

noun

coun·​ter·​claim ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām 

: a claim for relief that is asserted against an opposing party after an original claim has been made compare affirmative defense at defense, cross-action, cross-appeal, cross-claim, interpleader, third-party claim

counterclaim verb