counterpunch
Answer their swing
A counterpunch is a punch thrown in response to an opponent's attack, exploiting the opening their strike creates.
In boxing strategy, counterpunching is a defensive style—waiting for opponents to commit, then striking back: He's a skilled counterpuncher who waits for mistakes.
The term extends to any retaliatory move: The campaign launched a counterpunch against the attack ads.
Defensive blade deflection
guard · slip · feint · anticipation · timing · reading · reactive · protective
Quick, straight blow
- hookCurved catching device
- uppercutAscending boxing strike
- crossPass from side to side
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
combinations · footwork · sparring · heavyweight · ring · gloves · pugilist · round
Offensive response to aggression
- counterstrikeRetaliatory military action
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- backlashStrong negative reaction
retort · reciprocate · respond · react · revenge · retribution · vengeance · tit-for-tat
Answer to stimulus
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
- comebackRecovery after decline
- retortQuick, cutting reply
- riposteSwift clever reply
rejoinder · answer · pushback · reversal · opposition · challenge · defiance
Methods to achieve goals
- timingArt of choosing moments
- setupHow something is arranged
- baitLure for prey
- feintDeceptive mock attack
patience · calculation · opening · exploit · opportunity · chess · outmaneuver · trap
parry
Defensive blade deflection
dodge · guard · slip · feint · anticipation · timing · reading · reactive · protective · ward
jab
Quick, straight blow
knockout · combinations · footwork · sparring · heavyweight · ring · gloves · pugilist · round · cornerman
counterattack
Offensive response to aggression
- counterstrikeRetaliatory military action
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- reprisalPunitive action in return
backlash · retort · reciprocate · respond · react · revenge · retribution · vengeance · tit-for-tat · comeuppance
response
Answer to stimulus
riposte · rejoinder · answer · pushback · reversal · opposition · challenge · defiance
tactics
Methods to achieve goals
feint · patience · calculation · opening · exploit · opportunity · chess · outmaneuver · trap · lure
- boxingjab, uppercut, hook, knockout, TKO
- combat sportsboxing, wrestling, MMA, judo, karate
- counteractionscountermeasure, countermove, counterattack, counterblow, counterstrike
- fistfightsjab, uppercut, haymaker, right hook, left jab
- punchesjab, uppercut, haymaker, left hook, right hook
- tacticsmaneuver, gambit, ambush, counterstrike, flanking
counterpunchfirst strike
Initiating combat unprovoked
preemptive strike · jab · sucker punch · unprovoked attack · first move
counterpunchaggression
Hostile or attacking behavior
attack · offensive · blitz · swarming · taking the initiative
counterpunchpreemptive strike
Attack to forestall aggression
preemption · initiative · aggression · first mover · ambush
counterpunching, counterpuncher, counterpunched, counterpunches, counterpunchers