riposte
or ri·post
[ ri-pohst ]
/ rɪˈpoʊst /
noun
a quick, sharp return in speech or action; counterstroke: a brilliant riposte to an insult.
Fencing. a quick thrust given after parrying a lunge.
verb (used without object), ri·post·ed, ri·post·ing.
to make a riposte.
to reply or retaliate.
Nearby words
Origin of riposte
1700–10; < French, variant of risposte prompt answer < Italian risposta, noun use of feminine past participle of rispondere to answer < Vulgar Latin *respondere for Latin respondēre; see respond
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for riposte
British Dictionary definitions for riposte
riposte
ripost
/ (rɪˈpɒst, rɪˈpəʊst) /
noun
a swift sharp reply in speech or action
fencing a counterattack made immediately after a successful parry
verb
(intr) to make a riposte
Word Origin for riposte
C18: from French, from Italian risposta, from rispondere to reply, respond
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for riposte
riposte
1707, "a quick thrust after parrying a lunge," a fencing term, from French riposte, by dissimilation from risposte (17c.), from Italian risposta "a reply," noun use of fem. past participle of rispondere "to respond," from Latin respondere (see respond). Sense of "sharp retort; quick, sharp reply," is first attested 1865. As a verb, 1851.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper