counteract

[koun-ter-akt]

verb (used with object)

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

   Synonyms: thwart, contravene, counterbalance, neutralize

counteract

/ ˌkaʊntərˈækt /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of counteract¹

First recorded in 1670–80; counter- + act

Example Sentences

Separately, Chasanoff said the study showed that the home-furnishing category was “highly promotional,” with prices falling on items that previously saw prices rise to counteract tariffs.

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The authors count the many ways in which the internet can counteract loneliness by providing opportunities to participate in lifelong learning courses, join support and interest groups, and stay in touch with friends and family.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Despite the intensity of the material, Snook describes the “All Her Fault” production as a place where cast members were joking and messing around to counteract the sadness their characters were enduring.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But Izumi also has raised the alarm that pervasive AI use could counteract the benefits of homework by enabling cut-and-paste laziness.

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Madison distilled it down: “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.”

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Related Words

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