counterplot

American  

[koun-ter-plot, koun-ter-plot] / ˈkaʊn tərˌplɒt, ˌkaʊn tərˈplɒt /

noun

1. a plot directed against another plot.

2. Literature. a secondary theme in a play or other literary work, used as a contrast to or variation of the main theme.

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verb (used without object)

counterplotted, counterplotting

1. to devise a counterplot.

verb (used with object)

counterplotted, counterplotting

1. to plot against (a plot or plotter).

counterplot British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌplɒt /

noun

1. a plot designed to frustrate another plot

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verb

1. (tr) to oppose with a counterplot

2. (intr) to devise or carry out a counterplot

Etymology

Origin of counterplot

First recorded in 1590–1600; counter- + plot

Example Sentences

Unlike the “Bourne” films, whose baroque webbing of plot and counterplot suggested an allegory of global paranoia, “Haywire” goes to great lengths to avoid being about anything beyond its immediate situations and effects.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2012

Patiently, month after month, the FBI had been trying to untangle the all-but-invisible skeins of plot and counterplot by which Russia had stolen U.S. atomic secrets.

From Time Magazine Archive

In two of three new television shows, the singers are almost buried under plot and counterplot, characterization and attempted comedy.

From Time Magazine Archive

With what wealth of plot and counterplot did the play proceed!

From Time Magazine Archive

Order had come out of the chaos of plot and counterplot; Trevison’s course was to be as direct as his hatred.

From 'Firebrand' Trevison by Ivory, P. V. E. (Percy Van Eman)

Related Words

• plot
• scheme
• sedition
• treason