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 • Jan. 12, 2026

Yet both possess a knack for the quick counterpunch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

A.I. researchers churn frequently at all levels, a former Meta A.I. employee told me, so a vigorous counterpunch to OpenAI entices them to spend time at Meta and do groundbreaking work.

From Slate • Oct. 30, 2023

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 • Sep. 25, 2023

His immediate reaction was to counterpunch but he held himself in control.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier