countermand

American  

[koun-ter-mand, -mahnd, koun-ter-mand, -mahnd, koun-ter-mand, -mahnd] / ˌkaʊn tərˈmænd, -ˈmɑnd, ˈkaʊn tərˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd, ˈkaʊn tərˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to revoke or cancel (a command, order, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   recall, overrule, abrogate, rescind

2. to recall or stop by a contrary order.

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noun

1. a command, order, etc., revoking a previous one.

countermand British  

verb

1. to revoke or cancel (a command, order, etc)

2. to order (forces, etc) to return or retreat; recall

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noun

1. a command revoking another

Other Word Forms

• countermandable adjective
• uncountermandable adjective
• uncountermanded adjective

Etymology

Origin of countermand

1375–1425; late Middle English countermaunden < Anglo-French countermander < Middle French contremander, equivalent to contre- counter- + mander to command < Latin mandāre; see mandate

Explanation

When an officer in the military shouts, “Belay that order, Private!” that is a countermand. A countermand is an order that cancels or reverses an earlier command. Countermand is also used as a verb meaning “to cancel or revoke.” Counter means “opposing” or “opposite,” and mand is short for “mandate” or “command.” Put them together and you’ve got countermand — an “opposing command.” When you issue a countermand, you cancel the original command and usually replace it with a new one. Countermand is often used in a military context, but it can be applied more widely. If your parents tell you to take out the trash, you might countermand these orders by telling your little brother to do it instead.

Example Sentences

She lists the many infractions the first mate committed and defies any among them to countermand her husband’s orders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

Having to repeatedly countermand your own incoherent policies is a sign of weakness.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2025

Palm Beach County Circuit Judge James Nutt rejected Drock’s lawsuit last month, saying allowing judges to countermand doctor’s decisions could set a dangerous precedent.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2021

But what is also expected is that the Justice Department — specifically, the solicitor general subject to the countermand of the attorney general — will come to a conclusion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2021

Mother had ordered me not to tell anyone about the curse, but Mandy could countermand the order so I’d be able to tell Char.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine