counterpunch

American  

[koun-ter-puhnch] / ˈkaʊn tərˌpʌntʃ /

noun

1. counterblow.

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counterpunch British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌpʌntʃ /

verb

1. to punch an attacking opponent; return an attack

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noun

1. a return punch

Etymology

Origin of counterpunch

First recorded in 1675–85; counter- + punch ¹

Example Sentences

Typically, he loves to counterpunch against criticism, but oddly, this time, he didn’t.

From Barron's

Yet both possess a knack for the quick counterpunch.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. bond market went into a tailspin, and Beijing’s counterpunch caused stocks to plummet.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like his father, 15-year-old Carlos Jr. can dodge punches and counterpunch.

From Los Angeles Times

But Burrow found some footing in the second half and the Rams could not counterpunch in a 19-16 defeat before 66,158 and a “Monday Night Football” audience.

From Los Angeles Times