Return fire directed at an enemy position, typically to suppress their shooting or neutralize a threat.
From counter- + fire (Old English fȳr). This military term became standardized in the 19th-20th centuries as military doctrine evolved to emphasize rapid response to enemy attacks.
The concept of counterfire revolutionized military tactics—armies realized that immediately returning fire was often more important for survival than seeking perfect cover, changing how soldiers were trained forever.
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