countervalue
English
editEtymology
editFrom counter- value. The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., records the first use of the word in 1660 and the first use in the modern sense in 1965, where it is described as a "euphemism for attacking cities".
Verb
editcountervalue (third-person singular simple present countervalues, present participle countervaluing, simple past and past participle countervalued)
- (military) To target an opponent's assets which are of value but not actually a military threat, such as cities and civilian populations.
- To make a counter estimate of something's value.
Adjective
editcountervalue (not comparable)
- (military) Targeting an opponent's assets which are of value but not actually a military threat, such as cities and civilian populations.
- Antonym: counterforce