Riposte

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /rɪˈpəʊst/
• US IPA: /rɪˈpoÊŠst/

Alternative forms

• ripost

Origin

From French riposte, taken from Italian risposta, a derivative of the verb rispondere, "to respond".

Full definition of riposte

Noun

1. (fencing) a thrust given in return after parrying an attack.
2. a quick and usually witty response to a taunt, a retort
3. an answer or reply, rapidly uttered, in response to a question or problem
• 2012, September 7, Dominic Fifield, England start World Cup campaign with five-goal romp against Moldova, 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.

Verb

1. (fencing) to attempt to hit an opponent after parrying an attack.
2. to respond quickly; particularly if the response is humorous.

Anagrams

• periots, prostie, reposit, ropiest