1. a military strategy or capability designed to neutralize or destroy an enemy's military forces, especially nuclear weapons and delivery systems, before they can be used.
Usage: military/defense policy term; often used in discussions of nuclear deterrence and strategic doctrine
2. any opposing force or power that acts against another force.
Usage: general usage

Examples

• The military developed a counterforce strategy to protect against potential threats.
• During the Cold War, both superpowers invested heavily in counterforce capabilities.
• The new defense policy emphasizes counterforce options as part of national security.
• Environmental groups serve as a counterforce to industrial expansion in the region.
• The government's counterforce measures were designed to neutralize the insurgency.
• Public opinion became a significant counterforce to the proposed legislation.