Spanish Conversation · Level 152
30 words
Spanish word
contragolpe
Pronunciation
IPA/kontɾaˈɣolpe/
Meaning
- masculine nouncounterpunch
Example
El boxeador lanzó un contragolpe y ganó la pelea.
The boxer threw a counterpunch and won the fight.
More examples
El gobierno lanzó un contragolpe político contra las acusaciones.
The government launched a political counterpunch against the accusations.
Core concept
An immediate retaliatory attack aimed at regaining the initiative.
Common phrases
lanzar un contragolpe
launch a counterpunch
recibir un contragolpe
receive a counterpunch
un contragolpe político
a political counterpunch
Similar words
contraataque: Rapid counteroffensive started in response to an opponent's offensive move.
ataque: Any offensive move launched toward an opponent to cause harm.
golpe: A single impactful hit delivered to someone.
represalia: Retaliatory act taken in response to suffered damage or wrong.
Definition in Spanish
Golpe o ataque realizado inmediatamente en respuesta a otro ataque, especialmente en deportes o combate.
Word origin
From Latin contra 'against' and Spanish golpe 'blow', originally a combat term for a reply strike and now also used figuratively in sports and politics.
Usage tips
- For light verbal comebacks Spanish speakers prefer respuesta or réplica rather than contragolpe, which implies a physical or forceful reply.
Other meanings
- counterattacknoun
- counterblownoun
Opposites
- ataqueattacknoun
- ofensivaoffensivenoun
Related words
- contragolpearcounterpunchverb
- contragolpeadocounterpunchedadjective