counterword

[koun-ter-wurd]

noun

1. a word, often of short-lived popularity, widely used as an almost meaningless, automatic response.

2. a word that has come to be used with a meaning much less specific than that which it had originally, as swell, awful, or terrific.

counterword

/ ˈkaʊntəˌwɜːd /

noun

1. a word widely used in a sense much looser than its original meaning, such as tremendous or awful

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterword¹

First recorded in 1670–80; counter ¹ + word

Example Sentences

In Spanish there is a word for which I can’t find a counterword in English.

Read more on Literature

Unhappily the black-artist has forgot the counterword, with which he might command this flood of sprites again to ebb.

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“And what will be the counterword?” asked Challoner stiffly.

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