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

“The Proclamation does precisely that: It blatantly contravenes the fees Congress has set for the H-1B program and countermands Congress’s judgment.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Having to repeatedly countermand your own incoherent policies is a sign of weakness.

From Salon

But several policing experts said that creating that kind of training presented a challenge because countermanding orders from an incident commander went against the very orientation of most police departments.

From New York Times

Prelogar’s petition said both the judge in Texas and the 5th Circuit countermanded the FDA’s scientific judgment and would unleash “regulatory chaos.”

From Washington Post

Prelogar’s petition said both the Texas judge and the 5th Circuit countermanded FDA’s scientific judgment and would unleash “regulatory chaos.”

From Washington Post