countermine

[ noun koun-ter-mahyn; verb koun-ter-mahyn, koun-ter-mahyn ]

noun

1. Military. a mine intended to intercept or destroy an enemy mine.
2. a counterplot.

verb (used with object)

, coun·ter·mined, coun·ter·min·ing.

1. to oppose by a countermine.

verb (used without object)

, coun·ter·mined, coun·ter·min·ing.

1. to make a countermine.
2. Military. to intercept or destroy enemy mines.

countermine

noun

1. military a tunnel dug to defeat similar activities by an enemy
2. a plot to frustrate another plot

verb

1. to frustrate by countermeasures
2. military to take measures to defeat the underground operations of (an enemy)
3. military to destroy enemy mines in (an area) with mines of one's own

Word History and Origins

Origin of countermine¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; counter-, mine ²

Example Sentences

Finding plenty of miners among the Cornishmen of the 32d, he sunk a countermine for each mine burrowed by the enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

So Paul concealed his plans from Madame Astier, in entire ignorance that she was running a countermine in the same line as his.

From Project Gutenberg

He knew you, madam, and was resolved to countermine you in all your plots.

From Project Gutenberg

In that way the lonely hermit put his foot down and began a countermine, working as silently as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

You cannot countermine the fortifications of Flore and Maxence without getting a priest to sap them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• plot
• scheme
• sedition
• treason