counterweight

American  

[koun-ter-weyt] / ˈkaʊn tərˌweɪt /

noun

1. a weight used as a counterbalance.

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verb (used with object)

1. to balance or equip with a counterweight.

counterweight British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌweɪt /

noun

1. a counterbalancing weight, influence, or force

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Other Word Forms

• counterweighted adjective

Etymology

Origin of counterweight

First recorded in 1685–95; counter- + weight

Example Sentences

Gilligan also created “Pluribus” as a counterweight to the antihero era he helped define by contributing two unforgettable linchpins, Walter White and Saul Goodman.

From Salon

China will continue to serve as a counterweight to Western sanctions imposed on Russia, and Ukraine’s allies promised more and faster help, including a $15.6 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.

From New York Times

Less clear: Is carbon capture really an effective counterweight to the overheating planet?

From New York Times

He described cooperation between Russia and China as an essential counterweight.

From New York Times

Chinese leaders see Russia as a vital counterweight to American power, even if they may quietly wish that Mr. Putin would pull back from military belligerence.

From New York Times

Related Words

• equilibrium