counterstroke

[ koun-ter-strohk ]

noun

1. a stroke or blow given in return.
2. Medicine/Medical. contrecoup.

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterstroke¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; counter- + stroke ¹

Example Sentences

The fighting further delayed Bragg’s planned counterstroke and gave additional time to strengthen the Union center.

From Slate

But if China does use force — or is "compelled to take resolute measures," as Xi put it — Beijing would likely have to contend with a U.S. counterstroke.

From Salon

In 2014, Sony Pictures broadly released “The Interview” online - an unprecedented counterstroke against the hackers who’d spoiled the Christmas opening of the comedy depicting the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

From Washington Times

With the prospect looming of a Supreme Court dominated by Trump-appointed right-wing judges into the foreseeable future, an idea for a possible counterstroke has begun percolating among progressive political analysts and legal theorists: Expand the court from the current nine justices to provide for a more balanced, if not distinctly liberal, bench.

From Los Angeles Times

On Nov. 4, the counterstroke came from California Atty.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• retaliation
• retribution
• vengeance