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

Whilst they played wits against me—against me who commanded nations, and intrigued for them, and fought for them, hundreds of years before they were born—I was countermining them.

From Literature

The growing modern mine threat is so significant, that the Navy has been fast-tracking a wide range of new countermine attack and defense strategies.

From Fox News

The DOT&E report recommended that the program begin to emphasize countermine missions, due to its track record of successful upgrades.

From Fox News

This adaptation involves not only adding weapons and sensors but also adjusting and utilizing its existing war assets such as counter-submarine warfare, surface attack and countermine missions.

From Fox News

The concept, when it comes to application, could involve newer, upgraded sonar, networking systems, new weapons and countermine technologies.

From Fox News

Related Words

• plot
• scheme
• sedition
• treason