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

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

In 2025, researchers at the University of Louvain and Imperial College London clarified how this harmful chain reaction might be counteracted.

From Science Daily

To counteract this early-stage gender bias, the university runs outreach programs, sending female students back to their high schools to talk about life on campus and serve as role models.

From BBC

Proteins needed for producing energy decline, while proteins involved in stress responses and mitochondrial repair increase, indicating that the cell attempts to counteract the damage.

From Science Daily

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.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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