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
• ˌcounterˈaction, noun
• ˌcounterˈactive, adjective

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

So, when the glider is going downhill, its lift arrow is tilted a little bit forward and counteracts its drag.

From Popular-Science

As a result, if the right amount of the boat is submerged, the force of buoyancy is strong enough to counteract gravity pulling the boat down, and the boat floats.

From Science News

That force counteracts the downward pull of gravity, allowing the toys to float on both sides of the liquid’s surface.

From Science News

When there’s money on the line you have to counteract any favoritism which can require self-analysis.

From Search Engine Land

One way to counteract groupthink is to encourage voters to embrace the ambiguity of what “most valuable” means.

From FiveThirtyEight

Ambition in Congress would counteract ambition in the Executive, and the daily struggle would help keep all the branches in check.

From The Daily Beast

We could use more of those moments to counteract the constant saccharine spin.

From The Daily Beast

Courts are given independence under our system precisely to counteract the unconstitutional actions of the majority.

From The Daily Beast

When exercise feels like a dreaded chore, our bodies release stress hormones that counteract many of its positive effects.

From The Daily Beast

You have to counteract it with something, and I guess discipline was the mark.

From The Daily Beast

English influence was all-powerful at Lisbon and the new envoy had not the talent to counteract it.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course the cook sought to counteract such tendencies, but he had to be very circumspect, for Sambo resented insults fiercely.

From Project Gutenberg

Although it was May, a wood-fire had been lighted in her room to counteract the chilly damp of the evening.

From Project Gutenberg

He told me it was to counteract the fever and produce sleep, and said that the only thing then was to keep you quiet.

From Project Gutenberg

Julian Langley, not intentionally, perhaps, was continually trying to counteract the good advice which Arthur gave him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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