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; mandate

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