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

Derived Forms

• uncountermanded
  adjective
• uncountermandable
  adjective
• countermandable
  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

Countermand, kown-tėr-mand′, v.t. to give a command in opposition to one already given: to revoke.—n. a revocation of a former order.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Countermand the order for cake, send a wire putting off the wedding, dismiss the bridesmaids, tell the organist he can stop practising "The Voice that Breathed O'er Eden"—no wedding-bells for you!

From Uneasy Money by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)

Countermand the boats, dear; I will send word to stop them.

From Mary Anerley : a Yorkshire Tale by Blackmore, R. D. (Richard Doddridge)

"Countermand the order for the limousine," he said to the butler, "and order the small car for Mr. Graham and myself."

From Dangerous Days by Rinehart, Mary Roberts