countercheck

American  

[koun-ter-chek, koun-ter-chek] / ˈkaʊn tərˌtʃɛk, ˌkaʊn tərˈtʃɛk /

noun

1. a check that opposes or restrains.

2. a check controlling or confirming another check.

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verb (used with object)

1. to oppose or restrain (a tendency, force, trend, etc.) by contrary action.

2. to control or confirm by a second check.

countercheck British  

noun

1. a check or restraint, esp one that acts in opposition to another

2. a restraint that reinforces another restraint

3. a double check, as for accuracy

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verb

1. to oppose by counteraction

2. to control or restrain by a second check

3. to double-check

Etymology

Origin of countercheck

First recorded in 1550–60; counter- + check ¹

Example Sentences

Comptroller General McCarl has not had authority to check and countercheck the expenditure of Federal emergency appropriations, nor has Budget Director Douglas had power to plan their spending.

From Time Magazine Archive

To have his keys to count and countercheck.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

Every check and countercheck is used, which slowness of proceeding, or a repetition of it in other stages and under different forms, can effect.

From The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints January, February, March by Butler, Alban

But while this game of check and countercheck was being played, the North was becoming more and more impatient and events were rapidly bringing another player to the fore.

From On the Trail of Grant and Lee by Hill, Frederick Trevor

This countercheck I wasn't aware of, Sittah; My queen must fall the sacrifice.

From Nathan the Wise; a dramatic poem in five acts by Taylor, William

Related Words

• annihilate
• belie
• cancel out
• disallow
• disprove
• invalidate
• neutralize
• nullify
• rebut
• reverse
• undo
• vitiate
• void