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Glite Dictionary
⚔️ A return attack ⚔️ To attack back 💬 A quick reply
to counterthrust

to counterthrust

7.9
To make a quick attack or sharp reply in return to another action
  • verb
  • /ˈkaʊntərˌθrʌst/
translation icon : contragolpear
  • Whenever challenged, she would counterthrust rather than back down.

Examples

  • The fencer managed to counterthrust just as her opponent lunged forward.

  • During the heated debate, he counterthrust with a sharp and unexpected argument.

  • She decided to counterthrust after his aggressive move.

  • He always counterthrusts when challenged.

  • The fencer managed to counterthrust just as her opponent lunged forward.

  • During the heated debate, he counterthrust with a sharp and unexpected argument.

  • Whenever challenged, she would counterthrust rather than back down.

Synonyms

to fight back
vsto counterthrust
188 3.3

Resist an attack or criticism by responding

is a swift reactive attack or reply rather than general sustained resistance
to strike back
vsto counterthrust
34 4.9

To fight back after someone attacks or hurts you

is a quick reply or attack done immediately rather than delayed retaliation
to shot back
vsto counterthrust
  • Informal
18 4.8

To answer quickly in a sharp, angry way

is a quick reactive attack or reply that also includes physical responses
to counterattack
vsto counterthrust
12 4.9

To attack back after an enemy attacks to stop their advance

is quicker and can be a spoken reply as well as a physical attack
to riposte
vsto counterthrust
1 9.0

To reply quickly and sharply in speech or as a counterattack

is a rapid attack or reply covering speech and action
to counterstrike
vsto counterthrust
1 7.5

To attack back after someone attacks you

is faster and also includes verbal replies not only military attacks

Antonyms

to retreat
235 4.0

To move back from a place or plan to avoid danger

surrender
77 4.2

Giving up after defeat, for example when an army stops fighting

How Forceful

to counterthrust
7.9
to counter
190 4.3
to respond
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

counterthrust infinitive
counterthrusted past
counterthrusted past participle
counterthrusting present participle
counterthrusts third person singular

Morphology

counterthrust = thrust (transparent) = counter + thrust

Verb formed by adding the productive prefix 'counter-' to the verb 'thrust', yielding 'to make a thrust in response'; formation and meaning are straightforward.

Etymology

To counterthrust is to do a quick 'push back' — the verb combines counter- ('against') and thrust ('push') — so it means to attack or reply quickly in return, whether with a sword or with words.