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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of counteract¹

First recorded in 1670–80; counter- + act

Example Sentences

So counteracting these systems becomes even more critical.

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The third began in late August, when the Federal Reserve signaled it would cut rates to counteract weak labor markets, despite inflation running above its 2% target.

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A slew of policy announcements during the conference has counteracted the accusation, levelled at Badenoch, that she had previously left a vacuum that Reform had filled.

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The PGA Tour takes two drives from every player's round from holes faced in opposite directions to counteract the effect of wind.

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Defending teams tried to counteract this in the Premier League last season by putting an extra defender next to their keeper as a makeshift bodyguard, aiming to absorb the contact from the 'blocker'.

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Related Words

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