counterpunch

[ koun-ter-puhnch ]

noun

1. counterblow.

counterpunch

/ ˈkaʊntəˌpʌntʃ /

verb

1. to punch an attacking opponent; return an attack

noun

1. a return punch

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpunch¹

First recorded in 1675–85; counter- + punch ¹

Example Sentences

For years — since Joe McCarthy in the 1950s — the Democrats have been generally cautious when criticizing Republicans, preferring to counterpunch when they punch at all.

From Salon

The initiative is a West Coast counterpunch to the well-organized and rapidly growing effort by anti-LGBTQ+ activists and lawmakers in more conservative parts of the country to ban queer-friendly books from public schools and libraries.

From Los Angeles Times

After seemingly being caught flat-footed by propaganda videos that painted Israel, not Hamas, as the unrepentant aggressors willing to kill innocent women and children, Israel has unleashed a major counterpunch.

From Washington Times

Democrats are working overtime to make sure the GOP’s latest counterpunch is another miss on abortion.

From Washington Times

But Burrow found some footing in the second half and the Rams could not counterpunch in a 19-16 defeat before 66,158 and a “Monday Night Football” audience.

From Los Angeles Times