riposte

Sayri-POHSTUS/ɹɪˈpoʊst/UK/ɹɪˈpəʊst/

6 meanings of riposte

1
nounfigurativelycountable
A quick, clever reply to a joke or insult.
Like throwing a ball straight back the second someone tosses it at you.
Her sharp riposte made the whole class burst out laughing.
He always had a clever riposte ready when his friends teased him.
Similarretort
Note
2
nouncountable
A fast answer given right after a question or problem.
Like answering before the question is even finished.
His quick riposte answered the teacher before anyone else could speak.
She had a fast riposte ready for every question on the quiz.
Similarreply, retort, response, comeback, rejoinder
3
verbintransitive
To reply fast, often in a funny way.
Like tossing a ball back the moment it lands in your hands.
He likes to riposte with a quick joke whenever he is teased.
She ripostes whenever someone tries to make fun of her.
Similarretort, reply, respond, counter
Note
4
nouncountable
A quick hit made right after blocking an attack in fencing.
Like catching a ball and instantly throwing it straight back at the thrower.
After blocking the blow, she landed a fast riposte.
His riposte scored a point the instant he finished the parry.
Similarcounterthrust, counterattack
Note
5
nouncountable
A counter-attack in a fight or game, made right after the other side attacks.
Like hitting back the moment your opponent leaves an opening.
The boxer's riposte knocked his rival back across the ring.
Her riposte on the tennis court won the point easily.
Similarcounterattack, counterstrike, counterpunch
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6
verbintransitive
To try to hit your opponent right after blocking their attack.
Like swinging back at a ball the instant your bat stops it.
Learn to riposte the very moment you block the blade.
He ripostes as soon as he deflects an incoming strike.
Similarcounter, counterattack
Note

Practice

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Origin

From French riposte, which came from Italian risposta, meaning a response.