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

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

From BBC

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'.

From BBC

To counteract the unpredictable schedule, top clubs have employed multiple analysts in similar roles to divide the load.

From BBC

In the document, California officials argued that one of the most important ways to counteract federal actions is to find state funding to restore subsidies for zero-emission vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times

History teaches us that populism has recurring pathologies; it is especially important to recognize and counteract them.

From Salon

Related Words

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