counterpunch
noun, verb
Forms counterpunches counterpunching counterpunched counter-punch
- noun A punch delivered in response to a previous punch by somebody else, such as an opponent in a boxing match: a return blow, a retaliatory blow.
- noun (printing, historical) A punch used in the cutting of other punches, often used to create the negative space in or around a glyph.
- verb (boxing) To deliver a punch designed to exploit an opponent's momentary defensive weakness caused by a punch thrown by the opponent.
- verb To deliver a competitive response to an opponent designed to exploit a weakness created by the opponent's offensive efforts.
Synonyms
Etymology
From counter- + punch.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “counterpunch”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details