counterclaim
counterclaim Lexical Profile
counterclaim Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A claim made to offset, rebut, or oppose another claim, especially one filed by a defendant against a plaintiff in a legal action.
"After being sued for breach of contract, the contractor filed a counterclaim alleging that the homeowner had failed to make scheduled payments."
An opposing assertion or argument presented in a debate, essay, or discussion to challenge a primary thesis.
"A strong persuasive essay anticipates the strongest counterclaim and addresses it with clear evidence."
• verb
To make or file an opposing claim against a prior legal demand or accusation.
"The defendant decided to counterclaim for damages resulting from the plaintiff's negligence."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century as a legal compound, combining the prefix 'counter-' (from Old French 'contre', meaning 'against') with 'claim' (from Old French 'clamer', meaning 'to call or demand').