counteract

American  

[koun-ter-akt] / ˌkaʊn tərˈækt /

verb (used with object)

1. to act in opposition to; frustrate by contrary action.

   Synonyms:

   thwart, contravene, counterbalance, neutralize

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counteract British  

/ ˌkaʊntərˈækt /

verb

1. (tr) to oppose, neutralize, or mitigate the effects of by contrary action; check

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Other Word Forms

• counteractant
  adjective
• counteracter
  noun
• counteractingly
  adverb
• counteraction
  noun
• counteractive
  adjective
• counteractively
  adverb
• counteractor
  noun
• noncounteractive
  adjective
• uncounteracted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of counteract

First recorded in 1670–80; counter- + act

Explanation

To counteract is to work against something in an attempt to reverse it or cancel it out. You can try to counteract the neighbors' annoyance at your loud music by bringing them some homemade brownies. When you counteract something, you act counter — or in opposition — to it. To counteract rising global temperatures, we have to reduce the greenhouse gases flowing into the atmosphere. In order to counteract the effects of a long sleepless night, you may want to drink a cup of coffee or tea. And a good way to counteract a limited vocabulary is to learn a new word every day!

Example Sentences

"If you have a slice of toast for breakfast, have an apple too. Counteract everything with vegetables."

From Fox News • Oct. 18, 2021

Horses: Their Feed and Their Feet.—A manual of horse hygiene, invaluable for the veteran or the novice, pointing out the causes of "Malaria," "Glanders," "Pink Eye," "Distemper," etc., and how to Prevent and Counteract them.

From How To Behave: A Pocket Manual Of Republican Etiquette, And Guide To Correct Personal Habits Embracing An Exposition Of The Principles Of Good Manners; Useful Hints On The Care Of The Person, Eating, Drinking, Exercise, Habits, Dress, Self-Culture, And Behavior At Home; The Etiquette Of Salutations, Introductions, Receptions, Visits, Dinners, Evening Parties, Conversation, Letters, Presents, Weddings, Funerals, The Street, The Church, Places Of Amusement, Traveling, Etc., With Illustrative Anecdotes, a Chapter on Love and Courtship, and Rules of Order for Debating Societies by Wells, Samuel R. (Samuel Roberts)

Counteract this arrangement, and surely the result will be far inferior.

From Confessions of an Etonian by I. E. M.

Related Words

• cancel out
• correct
• counterbalance
• halt
• negate
• neutralize
• offset
• prevent
• rectify
• redress
• resist
• thwart