counterpunch

noun, verb — 4 senses

counterpunch

noun

Etymology From counter- + punch.

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

Media, Printing, Publishing Historical A punch used in the cutting of other punches, often used to create the negative space in or around a glyph.

Related terms
left hook

counterpunch

verb

Etymology From counter- + punch.

1

Boxing, Government, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Martial arts, Military, Politics, Sports, War 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:
Derived terms
counterpuncher
Related terms
punch up, punch upward

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.