I. noun
also re·post rə̇ˈpōst, rēˈp-
( -s )
Etymology: French riposte, alteration of risposte, from Italian risposta, literally, answer — more at risposta
1. : a fencer's quick return thrust following a successful parry
2. : a retaliatory verbal sally : retort
the critic's riposte might be that most of these stories are machine-made too — Harrison Smith
3. : a retaliatory maneuver or measure : counterattack
the raid upriver was a successful riposte to the enemy's earlier attack
II. verb
also repost “
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: French riposter, from riposte
intransitive verb
1. : to make a riposte in fencing
2. : to deliver a verbal counterthrust : make a telling retort
the two men argued and riposted — Janet Flanner
3. : to deliver a counterblow or counterattack
the general evaded pursuit and riposted
transitive verb
: to deliver (a verbal counterthrust) in reply : retort