counteract

[ koun-ter-akt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to act in opposition to; frustrate by contrary action.

   Synonyms: thwart, contravene, counterbalance, neutralize

counteract

/ ˌkaʊntərˈækt /

verb

1. tr to oppose, neutralize, or mitigate the effects of by contrary action; check

Derived Forms

• ˌcounterˈactively, adverb
• ˌcounterˈactive, adjective
• ˌcounterˈaction, noun

Other Words From

• counter·actant adjective
• counter·acter counter·actor noun
• counter·acting·ly adverb
• counter·action noun
• counter·active adjective
• counter·active·ly adverb
• noncoun·ter·active adjective
• uncoun·ter·acted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of counteract¹

First recorded in 1670–80; counter- + act

Example Sentences

And the lights need to shine brightly enough to counteract the effect of the sun shining from above.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the party had struggled to counteract Republican attack lines on "anarchy on college campuses, defund the police, biological boys playing in girls' sports, and a general attack on traditional values".

From BBC

“We study bones, muscles, nerve cells, and the effects of microgravity on them. Through this research, we’ve discovered that osteoporosis on Earth is actually similar to bone loss in space. If we can uncover unique patterns in space, we might be able to develop special medications to counteract bone loss and muscle atrophy,” said Zhang Wei, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

From BBC

So the way to counteract that is by giving him an endearing quality.

From Salon

Taken in isolation, it might seem like a win for coaches committing nearly 1,000 pounds to counteract an otherwise unstoppable force.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cancel out
• correct
• counterbalance
• halt
• negate
• neutralize
• offset
• prevent
• rectify
• redress
• resist
• thwart