Counterblast

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A vigorous reply or action intended to neutralize and overpower an opponent's claim, attack or influence
2. A strong rebuttal delivered in direct opposition to someone else's argument, policy or move
3. An energetic retort or measure launched specifically to offset and defeat a rival position

Etymology: A counterblast is a forceful reply or response meant to answer an attack and drown it out. The word is a straightforward compound: "counter-" in the sense of opposing or against, joined to "blast," a word that began as a blowing of wind or a sounding of a trumpet before taking on its later meaning of a sudden violent force. Put together, the pieces describe a blast sent back against an opposing blast, which is a fitting picture for a rhetorical reply that aims to overpower the original.

Synonyms: retort, rejoinder, riposte, response, comeback