応戦(おうせん)

おうせん
noun
fighting back; returning fire; accepting a challenge
1. fighting back; returning fire; counterattack
Responding to an attack or aggression by fighting back. Used in military and figurative contexts.
敵(てき)の攻撃(こうげき)に応戦(おうせん)した。
They fought back against the enemy's attack.
守備隊(しゅびたい)は圧倒的(あっとうてき)な数(かず)の敵(てき)に応戦(おうせん)した。
The garrison fought back against an overwhelmingly large enemy force.
批判(ひはん)に対(たい)して冷静(れいせい)に応戦(おうせん)した。
She calmly responded to the criticism.
2. accepting a challenge; rising to the occasion
Taking on a challenge or competition that has been presented, whether in sports, business, or debate.
挑戦(ちょうせん)を受(う)けて応戦(おうせん)する。
Accept the challenge and fight.
ライバル会社(がいしゃ)の新商品(しんしょうひん)に応戦(おうせん)するため、価格(かかく)を引(ひ)き下(さ)げた。
To counter the rival company's new product, they lowered prices.
相手(あいて)チームの猛攻(もうこう)に応戦(おうせん)し、最後(さいご)まで諦(あきら)めなかった。
They fought back against the opposing team's fierce onslaught and never gave up until the end.

USAGE:
応戦(おうせん) implies a reactive stance — responding to an attack or challenge rather than initiating one. It can be used for military combat, competitive situations, debates, and business rivalry.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 応戦(おうせん)する (to fight back)
  • 応戦(おうせん)態勢(たいせい) (posture for counterattack)
  • 果敢(かかん)に応戦(おうせん)する (to fight back boldly)

GRAMMAR:
Used as a noun or with する to form an intransitive verb.

general
Added 2026.3.7 18:34
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