counterfire

noun

coun·​ter·​fire ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce counterfire (audio)
variants or counter-fire
: the firing of weapons (such as firearms, artillery, or missiles) in response to the firing of weapons by another person or group
There was no appreciable counterfire from Montgomery's tanks or artillery.Robert Denny
also : the bullets, shells, etc., that are discharged in counterfire
His unit was firing on enemy positions on Aug. 10, 1918, when they were hit by counterfire. Perry A. Farrell

Examples of counterfire 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.
But Ukrainians have been increasingly frustrated by the superior range of Russian artillery and cruise missiles that can hit Ukrainian troops and towns while remaining out of range of counterfire. Michael Peck, Forbes, 2 June 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterfire was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near counterfire

Cite this Entry

“Counterfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterfire. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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