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Glite Dictionary
counterblast

counterblast

8.5
A strong public reaction that opposes someone's words or actions
  • noun
  • /ˈkaʊntərˌblæst/
translation icon : contrarrespuesta
  • There are many counterblasts now in print; e.g., Samuel P. Huntington's "Who Are We" (2004).

Examples

  • The politician's speech served as a counterblast to the accusations made by his opponents, passionately defending his actions.

  • After hearing her friend's harsh criticism, Maria felt she needed to prepare a strong counterblast to defend her choices.

  • The activist's article was a powerful counterblast against the government's new policy, arguing for the rights of the marginalized.

Synonyms

reaction
vscounterblast
141 5.8

Strong opposition to social or political change that defends older ideas

is a strong forceful reply specifically opposing someone's words or actions
pushback
vscounterblast
43 5.9

A negative reaction from people to a plan or change

is more strongly aggressive and aimed directly at an opponent's words or acts
counterreaction
vscounterblast
1 5.9

A response that cancels a previous action

is an immediate forceful reply directed against another's words or actions
virulent backlash
vscounterblast
  • Literature
8.1

A very strong angry reaction by many people against someone or something

is a forceful reply aimed directly against another's words or actions
counterthrust
vscounterblast
8.2

A sharp reply that answers an accusation or argument

is a forceful response in general rather than a narrowly aimed counterattack

Antonyms

acceptance
104 2.7

Being approved or welcomed by other people

submission
57 4.2

Accepting another person's control by obeying them

How Forceful

tirade
25 7.7
counterblast
8.5
retort
14 6.1
reply
251 1.0
comment
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

counterblast singular
counterblasts plural

Morphology

counterblast = counter + blast (transparent) = counter + blast

The meaning is directly built from 'counter' (against/in response) + 'blast' (a forceful attack), so learners who know the base words can infer the sense.

Etymology

Counterblast joins counter ('against') and blast ('a loud, powerful burst' or 'attack'), and you can see counter in the familiar word counterattack. So, a counterblast is a very strong reply that 'hits back' at someone's words or actions.