counterthrust
noun
coun·ter·thrust ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌthrəst 
variants or counter-thrust
plural counterthrusts or counter-thrusts
: a thrust to offset or oppose another thrust
As in all good espionage novels, there is thrust and counterthrust. The Americans come up with an ingenious kidnap idea. The Russians, at first taken in, counter with a thrust of their own.
Newgate Callender
Newgate Callender… the Allied line was left stretched still farther northward, inviting a German counterthrust. Alistair Horne
Alistair Horne… his nose for the business side of books gives him a huge advantage among independents in the battle against the chains. He understands what the chains are doing and why they're doing it, and he enjoys the challenge of coming up with counterthrusts. Bob Hicks
Bob Hicks
Word History
First Known Use
1861, in the meaning defined above