Dictionary

counterpunch en · NOUN

Etymology

From counter- + punch.

Meanings

1. A punch delivered in response to a previous punch by somebody else, such as an opponent in a boxing match: a return blow, a retaliatory blow.
   • Near-synonyms: counterattack, counterstrike
2. (historical) A punch used in the cutting of other punches, often used to create the negative space in or around a glyph.

Forms

Relateds

left hook

Synonyms

counterattack · counterblow · counterstrike

Translations (3)

pl kontra (punch delivered in response to a previous punch by somebody else) · fi vastaisku (punch delivered in response to a previous punch by somebody else) · pt contragolpe (punch delivered in response to a previous punch by somebody else)

counterpunch en · VERB

Etymology

From counter- + punch.

Meanings

1. 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.
   • 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. 2009 January 25, Christopher Clarey, “Top-Seeded Jankovic Falls Without a Fight”, in New York Times:

Forms

Deriveds

counterpuncher

Relateds

punch upward · punch up