counterwork

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

See synonyms for counterwork on Thesaurus.com

noun

work or action to oppose some other work or action.

verb (used without object)

to work in opposition.

verb (used with object)

to work in opposition to; hinder or frustrate.

Origin of counterwork

First recorded in 1590–1600; counter- + work

Other words from counterwork

counter-worker, noun

Words Nearby counterwork

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use counterwork in a sentence

Sloth and superstition equally counterwork providence, and render the bounty of heaven of no effect.
The History of Emily Montague | Frances Brooke
The cardinal's disappointment strongly inclined him to counterwork the amorous projects of his rival.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part E. | David Hume
If the Syracusans succeeded in completing and holding this counterwork, the blockade of Syracuse would be rendered impossible.
Stories from Thucydides | H. L. Havell
You are well aware how necessary it is to reconnoitre an enemy to know by what method to counterwork his stratagems.
Letters of John Calvin, Volume I (of 4) | Jules Bonnet
Let it be to abjure thy malice; to counterwork this hellish stratagem; to turn from me and from my brother, this desolating rage!
Wieland; or The Transformation | Charles Brockden Brown

British Dictionary definitions for counterwork

counterwork

/ (ˈkaʊntəˌwɜːk) /

noun

work done in opposition to other work
defensive fortifications put up against attack

Derived forms of counterwork

counterworker, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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