Countercoup
/ˈkaʊn.tər.kuː/noun
A coup carried out in response to another coup, especially to restore or seize power.
Did you know?Unlike many words with ancient roots, this one is a modern political compound built from French and English elements, and it captures the brutal logic of power reversing power.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
French
coup
“A blow or strike; later, a sudden decisive action”
Late Old French
French
coup
“A blow, strike, or sudden hit”
Middle English
English
counter-
“Against; in opposition to”
19th Century
English
countercoup
“A counterblow; later, a coup made in response to another coup”
Modern English
English
countercoup
“A coup carried out in response to another coup”
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