counterblast

American  

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

noun

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

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counterblast British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌblɑːst /

noun

1. an aggressive response to a verbal attack

2. a blast that counteracts another

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Etymology

Origin of counterblast

First recorded in 1560–70; counter- + blast

Example Sentences

“The Silk Roads: A New History of the World” is a counterblast to another ambitious book from an earlier generation, J.M.

From Economist • Aug. 20, 2015

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

In each case the manager risked a counterblast from the supporters but pressed on anyway, sure of his ground, sure that United would always outlast any individual and could renew themselves.

From The Guardian • Oct. 16, 2010

Frontenac's counterblast was the dispatch of a lieutenant and three soldiers to arrest a retainer of Perrot named Carton, who had shown contempt of court by assisting the accused woodsmen to escape.

From The Fighting Governor A Chronicle of Frontenac by Colby, Charles W. (Charles William)