riposte

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   make a return thrust

   The fencer's opponent riposted.

2. 2
   noun

   A counter-attack in any combat or any sport.

   Some context is required. Moldova were weak at the back and blunt up front, and have failed to score in six matches stretching back to last October, with only hints at English complacency offering them glimpses of summoning a riposte.

From French riposte, taken from Italian risposta, a derivative of the verb rispondere (“to respond”).

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