counterblow

American  

[koun-ter-bloh] / ˈkaʊn tərˌbloʊ /

noun

1. a blow given in return or retaliation, as in boxing.

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Etymology

Origin of counterblow

First recorded in 1625–35; counter- + blow ¹

Example Sentences

The following year, the Kroll Opera, Otto Klemperer’s progressive Berlin company, delivered a counterblow to the nazification of Wagner when it mounted The Flying Dutchman in proletarian modern dress.

From The Guardian • Sep. 17, 2020

That’s probably the sort of thing we will do in Mali—and what we should do, if France’s rapid counterblow doesn’t stave off the threat.

From Slate • Jan. 17, 2013

Nasser is a counterpuncher who has won a number of prelims by meeting blow with counterblow.

From Time Magazine Archive

These accords severely limited antiballistic missile defenses to discourage an aggressor from believing he could launch a surprise attack and then defend against a counterblow.

From Time Magazine Archive

Blow and counterblow between the Spanish king, for the whole West-Indian commerce was a government job, and the merchant nobles of England.

From Sir Walter Raleigh and His Time by Kingsley, Charles