counterweight

[ koun-ter-weyt ]

noun

1. a weight used as a counterbalance.

verb (used with object)

1. to balance or equip with a counterweight.

counterweight

/ ˈkaʊntəˌweɪt /

noun

1. a counterbalancing weight, influence, or force

Derived Forms

• ˈcounterˌweighted, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterweight¹

First recorded in 1685–95; counter- + weight

Example Sentences

Morris has proposed the establishment of a “Science Public Information Network” as a public counterweight to scientific disinformation.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump has presented himself as a strongman counterweight of sorts to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who aspires to reclaim sovereignty over Taiwan as a part of China, by force if necessary.

From Los Angeles Times

The grouping, often referred to as a counterweight to the Western-led world, has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

From BBC

Their backs are also mirrored, and hefty steel counterweights are holding up the semicircular tubes that protrude out front.

From Los Angeles Times

The government has been keen to point to the above inflation generosity of the Triple Lock as a counterweight to its decision to scrap the Winter Fuel Allowance for most households.

From BBC

Related Words

• equilibrium