counterblow in English
- counterblow⇄counterblow, noun.
a blow struck in return for another; counter.
Counterblow
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈkaʊntərˌbloʊ/
Definitions
- Noun: A retaliatory blow or strike delivered in response to an attack.
- Verb: To deliver a counterattack, usually in response to an offensive action.
Usage Examples
- The boxer managed to land a powerful counterblow after taking a hard hit from his opponent.
- In the debate, she delivered a counterblow to her opponent’s argument, reversing the momentum in her favor.
Etymology
The word "counterblow" is a compound of the prefix "counter-" meaning "against" or "opposite" and "blow," which refers to a strong impact, typically from a strike. The term has evolved to describe a retaliatory action, both in physical combat and metaphorically in debates or arguments.
Synonyms
- Retaliation
- Revenge
- Counterattack
- Reprisal
- Rebuttal
Antonyms
- Submission
- Acceptance
- Defeat
- Complacency
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Contraataque | Kon-tra-at-ah-keh |
| French | Contre-coup | Kohn-truh-koo |
| German | Gegenangriff | Ge-gen-an-griff |
| Italian | Controcolpo | Kon-troh-kol-po |
| Portuguese | Contra-ataque | Kon-trah-ah-tah-kee |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 反击 | Fǎn jí |
| Japanese | 反撃 | Hangeki |
| Russian | Контратака | Kont-rat-akah |
| Hindi | प्रतिक्रिया | Pratikriya |
| Bengali | প্রতিবাদ | Pratibad |
| Punjabi | ਪ੍ਰਤਿਕਾਰ | Pratikar |
| Gujarati | પ્રતિસાદ | Pratisād |
| Marathi | प्रतिकार | Pratikār |
| Odia | ପ୍ରତିବାଦ | Pratibād |
| Telugu | ప్రతిస్పందన | Pratispandan |
| Tamil | பதிலடி | Pathiladi |
| Malayalam | പ്രതികാരം | Pratikāram |
| Kannada | ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆ | Pratikriye |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In some regions, the stress on the word "counterblow" may differ. For example, in some parts of the US, it may be pronounced with a stronger emphasis on the second syllable, while in the UK, it is commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Historical Usage
The term "counterblow" first appeared in the late 19th century, primarily in the context of physical combat, but it soon spread to broader contexts. It was used metaphorically to describe any strong, retaliatory action, particularly in political and social debates.
Cultural Nuances
The concept of a "counterblow" has cultural significance in various societies, where it often symbolizes resilience and the ability to fight back against oppression or injustice. In some cultures, delivering a counterblow in discourse or action is seen as a necessary step in maintaining honor and standing up for one's rights.
More Information
A counterblow is not only a physical response but also a powerful rhetorical tool used in debates and discussions. The term conveys the idea of defending oneself or one's position against an offensive action, emphasizing the strength of the response. It is a concept that appears across different media, including literature, political discourse, and film, often symbolizing a hero’s resilience or a society’s fight against corruption.