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counterblast

American  
[koun-ter-blast, -blahst] / ˈkaʊn tərˌblæst, -ˌblɑst /

noun

  1. an unrestrained and vigorously powerful response to an attacking statement.


counterblast British  
/ ˈkaʊntəˌblɑːst /

noun

  1. an aggressive response to a verbal attack

  2. a blast that counteracts another

"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 counterblast

First recorded in 1560–70; counter- + blast

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.

See Examples For:

He ended his counterblast with what sounded like a manifesto.

From The Guardian Nov. 20, 2018

We can also expect the beginning of a counterblast of speeches, editorials and comments from those in charge of the CIA at the time attacking the Congressional report.

From BBC Dec. 8, 2014

But always with that original note hanging in the air, as both counterblast and guiding horn.

From The New Yorker Oct. 6, 2014

For Christian apologists, it was a welcome counterblast to recent antireligious best sellers like “God Is Not Great” by , “The God Delusion” by and “Letter to a Christian Nation” by .

From New York Times Apr. 17, 2010

But it has the potentiality of a counterblast.

From Europe—Whither Bound? Being Letters of Travel from the Capitals of Europe in the Year 1921 by Stephen Graham

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