counterplots
Retaliatory secret plans
Counterplots are schemes devised to thwart other schemes.
The word appears in discussions of espionage, political intrigue, and narrative fiction where characters respond to opponents' machinations with plans of their own: The novel's second act is a tangle of plots and counterplots.
To counterplot is to devise such a response.
Intentional focus manipulation
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- disinformationIntentional deceptive falsehoods
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
trap · ambush · double-cross · duplicity · manipulation · trickery · false-flag · smokescreen
Defense against enemy espionage
- spycraftMethods of secret agents
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
mole · surveillance · intelligence · undercover · cloak-and-dagger · handler · dead-drop · cipher
Defeating through superior tactics
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- preemptionActing to prevent another's action
- countermoveResponding strategic action
- flankingAt the sides of
encirclement · checkmate · gambit · positioning · foresight · contingency · counterstrike · interception
Below ground or countercultural
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- subversionUndermining established authority
- guerrillaIrregular armed fighter
- insurrectionViolent uprising against authority
insurgency · coup · overthrow · sedition · dissent · partisans · cell · defiance
misdirection
Intentional focus manipulation
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- disinformationIntentional deceptive falsehoods
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
decoy · trap · ambush · double-cross · duplicity · manipulation · trickery · false-flag · smokescreen · bait
counterintelligence
Defense against enemy espionage
- spycraftMethods of secret agents
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
infiltration · mole · surveillance · intelligence · undercover · cloak-and-dagger · handler · dead-drop · cipher · tradecraft
outmaneuvering
Defeating through superior tactics
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- preemptionActing to prevent another's action
- countermoveResponding strategic action
flanking · encirclement · checkmate · gambit · positioning · foresight · contingency · counterstrike · interception · neutralization
underground
Below ground or countercultural
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- subversionUndermining established authority
- guerrillaIrregular armed fighter
insurrection · insurgency · coup · overthrow · sedition · dissent · partisans · cell · defiance · revolt
counterplotsplots
Secret plans or storylines
schemes · conspiracies · machinations · intrigues · provocations