counterstroke
Answering offensive move
A counterstroke is a retaliatory blow or attack delivered in response to an opponent's action.
The term appears in military and strategic contexts for counteroffensives, and in sports like fencing or boxing for a return strike: He parried the thrust and delivered a swift counterstroke.
Figuratively, any responsive action against an adversary: The lawsuit was a counterstroke against the hostile takeover.
Swift clever reply
- parryDefensive blade deflection
- lungeSudden forward movement
- thrustForceful forward motion
- feintDeceptive mock attack
touché · fleche · beat · disengage · attack · blade · foil · épée
Retaliatory strike
- counterpunchRetaliatory boxing blow
- parryDefensive blade deflection
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- repelDrive off or disgust
deflection · retaliation · countermove · offensive · defensive · strike · blow · thrust
Punitive response to injury
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
revenge · requital · tit-for-tat · reciprocity · backlash · redress · punishment · justice
Responding strategic action
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- flankingAt the sides of
- tacticalStrategically planned
defensive · offensive · gambit · diversion · response · anticipation · timing · positioning
Recovery after decline
- reboundReturn after deflection
- turnaroundShift in opposite direction
- resurgenceReturn after dormancy
- revivalReturn after decline
reversal · rally · bounceback · upturn · redemption · recuperation · regaining
riposte
Swift clever reply
feint · touché · fleche · beat · disengage · attack · blade · foil · épée · sabre
counterblow
Retaliatory strike
- counterpunchRetaliatory boxing blow
- parryDefensive blade deflection
- blockSolid mass, or impede
repel · deflection · retaliation · countermove · offensive · defensive · strike · blow · thrust · guard
retaliation
Punitive response to injury
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
vengeance · revenge · requital · tit-for-tat · reciprocity · backlash · redress · punishment · justice · reciprocation
countermove
Responding strategic action
tactical · defensive · offensive · gambit · diversion · response · anticipation · timing · positioning · initiative
comeback
Recovery after decline
- reboundReturn after deflection
- turnaroundShift in opposite direction
- resurgenceReturn after dormancy
revival · reversal · rally · bounceback · upturn · redemption · recuperation · regaining
counterstrokefirst strike
Initiating combat unprovoked
preemptive strike · offensive · aggression · initiative · provocation
counterstrokeforgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
submission · forbearance · capitulation · acceptance · passivity