What term describes an attack made with the intent to score before the opponent?

The term that describes an attack made with the intent to score before the opponent is referred to as a hit. In fencing, a hit occurs when a fencer successfully lands an attack on their opponent, typically during an engagement where speed, timing, and precision are critical. The goal of making a hit is to outmaneuver the opponent and touch them with the tip of the weapon, which results in scoring a point.

In contrast, terms like foul, defensive action, and counterattack pertain to different concepts within the sport. A foul implies a breach of the rules that could lead to penalties, while a defensive action refers to a maneuver aimed at avoiding an opponent’s attack rather than seeking to score. A counterattack is a specific type of action that occurs in response to an opponent’s attack when a fencer tries to score while the opponent is still in the midst of their assault. However, only the straightforward attack intended to score first aligns with the definition of a hit.