counterpunch

English

Etymology

counter- +‎ punch

Noun

counterpunch (plural counterpunches)

1. A punch delivered in return of a previous punch by somebody else, such as an opponent in a boxing match.

Synonyms

• (punch in return of opponent's punch): counterblow, return blow, retaliatory blow

Translations

punch delivered in return of a previous punch by somebody else

• Finnish: vastaisku (fi)

• Portuguese: contragolpe (pt) m

Verb

counterpunch (third-person singular simple present counterpunches, present participle counterpunching, simple past and past participle counterpunched)

1. (boxing) To deliver a punch designed to exploit an opponent's momentary defensive weakness caused by a punch thrown by the opponent.
2. To deliver a competitive response to an opponent designed to exploit a weakness created by the opponent's offensive efforts.
   • 2009 January 25, Christopher Clarey, “Top-Seeded Jankovic Falls Without a Fight”, New York Times:

     She stands just a little over 5-foot-6, but her two-handed ground strokes off both wings, inspired by the four-time Australian Open champion Monica Seles , allow her to create sharp angles and counterpunching power.