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

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

It also anticipates the turbulence, giving commands to a flap on the wing which then adjusts to counteract it.

From BBC

If she can stay one step ahead when the girls start to find out those weaknesses, and how to counteract that, then she can go much higher.

From BBC

We expect competition between the branches, for “ambition to counteract ambition,” as James Madison put it, to ensure one branch doesn’t get too powerful.

From Salon

Related Words

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