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responder ao ataque

[ʁɛs.põ.ˈdeɾ ɐ.w ɐ.ˈta.kɨ]
verb phrase
to respond to the attack; to counterattack; to fight back
1. To react or defend oneself against an aggressive action or assault
The country decided to respond to the attack with military force.
O país decidiu responder ao ataque com força militar.
2. To take action in retaliation or self-defense following an offensive move
The team had to respond to the opponent's aggressive plays.
O time teve que responder aos ataques agressivos do adversário.
3. To answer or reply to criticism, accusations, or hostile remarks
She chose not to respond to the verbal attack.
Ela escolheu não responder ao ataque verbal.
NYC Slang
hit back; clap back; come back at someone
Synonyms
contra-atacarretaliardefender-sereagir ao ataquerevidar
Antonyms
cederrender-serecuaraceitar passivamente

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
responder ao ataque
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
responder ao ataque
Standard usage, also uses 'revidar'
Rio de Janeiro
responder ao ataque; revidar
Both expressions are commonly used
Portugal
responder ao ataque; contra-atacar
Slightly more formal preference for 'contra-atacar' in military contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

não levar desaforo para casa
dar o troco
revidar a agressão
defender a honra
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