1. a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government that has itself seized power in a coup d'état
Usage: political term; often used in historical and contemporary political contexts

Examples

• The military countercoup successfully restored the democratically elected government to power.
• Following the initial coup, a countercoup was launched by loyalist forces within weeks.
• The countercoup in 1966 marked a turning point in the nation's political history.
• International observers monitored the countercoup to ensure a peaceful transition of power.
• The general led the countercoup against the regime that had taken control just months earlier.
• A countercoup attempt failed when the conspirators were discovered before they could act.