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counterpunch

American  
[koun-ter-puhnch] / ˈkaʊn tərˌpʌntʃ /

noun

  1. counterblow.


counterpunch British  
/ ˈkaʊntəˌpʌntʃ /

verb

  1. to punch an attacking opponent; return an attack

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a return punch

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of counterpunch

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet both possess a knack for the quick counterpunch.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. bond market went into a tailspin, and Beijing’s counterpunch caused stocks to plummet.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like his father, 15-year-old Carlos Jr. can dodge punches and counterpunch.

From Los Angeles 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

“They completely remade me, I used to only want to throw punches, but they taught me how to move my hips, avoid punches and to counterpunch,” said Canelo.

From Los Angeles Times