equipoise

American  

[ee-kwuh-poiz, ek-wuh-] / ˈi kwəˌpɔɪz, ˈɛk wə- /

noun

1. an equal distribution of weight; even balance; equilibrium.

2. a counterpoise.

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verb (used with object)

equipoised, equipoising

1. to equal or offset in weight; balance.

equipoise British  

/ ˈɛkwɪˌpɔɪz /

noun

1. even balance of weight or other forces; equilibrium

2. a counterbalance; counterpoise

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verb

1. (tr) to offset or balance in weight or force; balance

Etymology

Origin of equipoise

First recorded in 1625–35; equi- + poise ¹

Example Sentences

I hoped that during the next decade, the pendulum would swing back from 9/11 overreach and regain some semblance of equipoise.

From Salon

This equipoise held for four very productive years, but there comes a moment in all love stories when one partner gets fidgety and starts to pull away.

From Los Angeles Times

In his strongest work, the Los Angeles-based artist — who died of natural causes in his sleep on March 22, a day before his 88th birthday — held the image and the object in eccentric equipoise.

From Los Angeles Times

In medicine, when there is genuine uncertainty as to whether the benefits of a treatment outweigh the harms - called equipoise - some ethicists argue there's a moral obligation to scientifically study such treatments.

From BBC

In a capital packed with bloviators and arm-twisters, Jackson maintains an equipoise of soft-spoken graciousness, combining intellectual clarity with iron resolve.

From Los Angeles Times