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

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

The bully wouldn’t dare get in Obama’s face, knowing his predecessor’s counterpunch against the lies could be a knockout.

From Los Angeles Times

"I am angry about plenty that the president is doing and what he said the other night, but the punch, counterpunch is not working."

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times