counterpunch
counterpunch Lexical Profile
counterpunch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A punch delivered in immediate return to an opponent's blow in boxing or martial arts; by extension, a forceful retaliatory action or response.
"The champion waited for an opening and landed a decisive counterpunch in the fifth round."
A hard steel punch used in traditional typefounding and metalwork to stamp the hollow interior spaces (counters) of a letter into the end of a letter-punch.
"Using a finely engraved counterpunch allowed the renaissance typefounder to maintain uniform interior curves across the entire font."
• verb
To deliver a punch in immediate return to an opponent's blow, or to respond forcefully to an attack or criticism.
"During the debate, the candidate chose to counterpunch whenever her economic record was questioned."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
In typography, the noun dates to the late 17th century as a translation of the French 'contre-poinçon'. The boxing sense emerged in the early 20th century, combining the prefix 'counter-' with 'punch'.