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

"Physical activity, such as resistance training, is important to counteract potential negative effects on muscle strength," he added.

From BBC

Speaking to students at Harvard University, he laid out the textbook case for patience: Energy disruptions tend to be short-lived and monetary policy works too slowly to counteract them in real time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Powell, speaking to students at Harvard University, laid out the textbook case for patience: Energy disruptions tend to be short-lived, and monetary policy works too slowly to counteract them in real time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Building on this, the researchers explored whether adding NAC or Se to the diet could counteract those effects.

From Science Daily

AI’s sycophancy reinforces human confirmation bias, but users can employ tactics to counteract this tendency.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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