counterclaim

[ noun koun-ter-kleym; verb koun-ter-kleym ]
/ noun ˈkaʊn tərˌkleɪm; verb ˌkaʊn tərˈkleɪm /

noun

a claim made to offset another claim, especially one made by the defendant in a legal action.

verb (used with or without object)

to claim so as to offset a previous claim.

Origin of counterclaim

First recorded in 1775–85; counter- + claim

OTHER WORDS FROM counterclaim

coun·ter·claim·ant, noun

Example sentences from the Web for counterclaim

British Dictionary definitions for counterclaim

counterclaim
/ (ˈkaʊntəˌkleɪm) mainly law /

noun

a claim set up in opposition to another, esp by the defendant in a civil action against the plaintiff

verb

to set up (a claim) in opposition to another claim

Derived forms of counterclaim

counterclaimant, noun