Definition

1. Verb:
   • To strike back in retaliation; to return a blow: The primary meaning of "giáng trả" is to deliver a forceful physical or metaphorical counter-strike in response to an attack or provocation. It implies a powerful, decisive, and often punishing response.
   • To inflict in return; to retaliate: It conveys the act of repaying an aggressive action with a similar or greater measure of force, emphasizing a direct and impactful reaction.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đội nhà đã giáng trả bằng một bàn thắng ngay sau đó. (The home team struck back with a goal immediately afterwards.)
  • Anh ấy giáng trả đối thủ bằng một cú đấm mạnh. (He retaliated against his opponent with a powerful punch.)
  • Bài xã luận giáng trả những lời chỉ trích từ phe đối lập. (The editorial struck back at the criticisms from the opposition.)

Advanced Usage

• "giáng trả" in strategic or competitive contexts: Often used in sports, debate, business, or conflict to describe a calculated and effective counter-move.
  • Công ty đã giáng trả đối thủ bằng một chiến dịch marketing mới. (The company retaliated against its competitor with a new marketing campaign.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phản công (v): to counter-attack. This is a more general military or strategic term.

  • Quân đội chuẩn bị phản công. (The army prepared to counter-attack.)

• Trả đũa (v): to retaliate, to take revenge. This emphasizes the aspect of paying back for a wrong.

  • Họ tìm cách trả đũa cho hành động xúc phạm. (They sought to retaliate for the insulting act.)

Synonyms

• Retaliate: To make an attack or assault in return for a similar attack.
• Strike back: To hit or attack in response to being hit or attacked.
• Counter: To act in opposition to; to offset or respond to an action.

Related Idioms

• While "giáng trả" itself is typically used as a standard verb phrase, its meaning aligns with the concept of "an eye for an eye"—the idea of reciprocal justice or retaliation.
  • Không nên giáng trả theo kiểu "mắt đền mắt". (One should not retaliate in an "eye for an eye" manner.)