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

Example Sentences

"Looking at intelligence gathering from a James Bond viewpoint is not relevant, the job is analysing risk and working out how to counteract it," he tells me.

From BBC

"Even partial restoration of the connection between the right vagus nerve and the heart is sufficient to counteract the mechanisms of remodelling and preserve effective cardiac contractility," adds Anar Dushpanova, cardiologist at TrancriLab.

From Science Daily

The team discovered that restoring platelet factor 4 could counteract these age-related changes.

From Science Daily

The researchers also observed brain activity patterns that resembled the effects of a good night's sleep, counteracting the typical brain changes associated with sleep deprivation.

From Science Daily

Overall, the findings indicate that carefully adjusting proteins that interact genetically with frataxin may help counteract the damage caused by frataxin loss.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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