counterplot

[ noun, verb koun-ter-plot; verb also koun-ter-plot ]

/ noun, verb ˈkaʊn tərˌplɒt; verb also ˌkaʊn tərˈplɒt /

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See synonyms for: counterplot / counterplotted / counterplotting on Thesaurus.com

noun

a plot directed against another plot.

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

verb (used without object), coun·ter·plot·ted, coun·ter·plot·ting.

to devise a counterplot.

verb (used with object), coun·ter·plot·ted, coun·ter·plot·ting.

to plot against (a plot or plotter).

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Origin of counterplot

First recorded in 1590–1600; counter- + plot

Words nearby counterplot

counterperson, counterphobic, counterpin, counterplan, counterplea, counterplot, counterpoint, counterpoise, counterpoise bridge, counterpose, counterpressure

How to use counterplot in a sentence

But the waters were seething now, stirred to their very lees by plot and counterplot.
The Secret Witness|George Gibbs
If my simple counterplot should fail, some knowledge of the powder-convoy's route would be of prime importance.
The Master of Appleby|Francis Lynde
The Hawkins counterplot of revenge on Philip and his guilty confederates was completely successful.
Drake, Nelson and Napoleon|Walter Runciman
Such as know their members to be naturally obedient, need take no other care but only to counterplot their fantasies.
The Essays of Montaigne, Complete|Michel de Montaigne

"We shall have a game of plot and counterplot before this ends, my man," he muttered.
Fort Lafayette or, Love and Secession|Benjamin Wood

British Dictionary definitions for counterplot

counterplot

/ (ˈkaʊntəˌplɒt) /

noun

a plot designed to frustrate another plot

verb -plots, -plotting or -plotted

(tr) to oppose with a counterplot

(intr) to devise or carry out a counterplot

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

counterplot

Origin of counterplot

Words nearby counterplot

Words related to counterplot

How to use counterplot in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for counterplot