1. gunfire or artillery fire directed at an enemy position in response to enemy fire
Usage: military

1. to direct fire at an enemy in response to being fired upon
Usage: military

Examples

• The troops quickly organized counterfire against the enemy position.
• Artillery units began to counterfire as soon as they detected incoming shells.
• The ship's guns opened counterfire to suppress the attacking aircraft.
• Soldiers were trained to counterfire within seconds of taking enemy fire.
• The battalion's counterfire was effective in driving back the assault.
• Without adequate counterfire capability, the base remained vulnerable.