counterbalance

[koun-ter-bal-uhns, koun-ter-bal-uhns]

noun

1. a weight balancing another weight; an equal weight, power, or influence acting in opposition; counterpoise.

verb (used with or without object)

counterbalanced, counterbalancing 

1. to act against or oppose with an equal weight, force, or influence; offset.

   Synonyms: balance, rectify, countervail, correct

counterbalance

noun

1. a weight or force that balances or offsets another

verb

1. to act as a counterbalance

Other Word Forms

• uncounterbalanced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterbalance¹

First recorded in 1570–80; counter- + balance

Example Sentences

This biography astutely portrays how “Diggs’s personal failures and weaknesses” counterbalanced his impressive professional strengths and prematurely ended a career of no little significance.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A national policy that establishes rules around water practices but also prioritizes the use of water resources for national security and a collective interest could counterbalance the forces of habit and special interests, Salzberg said.

Read more on Salon

It was designed to counterbalance US influence in the world.

Read more on BBC

But at a strategic level, China suspects that Western nations are using India to counterbalance its rise and growing influence.

Read more on BBC

The authority, the report said, is “designed to counterbalance the forces that drive displacement and inequality in the aftermath of disasters.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• counteract 
• outweigh 
• rectify