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Synonyms

countermeasure

American  
[koun-ter-mezh-er] / ˈkaʊn tərˌmɛʒ ər /

noun

  1. an opposing, offsetting, or retaliatory measure.

countermeasure British  
/ ˈkaʊntəˌmɛʒə /

noun

  1. action taken to oppose, neutralize, or retaliate against some other action

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of countermeasure

First recorded in 1920–25; counter- + measure

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They are to be replaced by the same number of combat ships equipped with mine countermeasure capabilities, but not designed for that purpose.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Diaz Artiles and her team aim to collect cardiovascular responses using each countermeasure and compare effects on ocular perfusion pressure and other cardiovascular functions that may be affected by microgravity environments.

From Science Daily • Jun. 19, 2024

We could deploy a specific type of electronic countermeasure packet in this one area that is going to shut down our enemy's drones.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2024

The best earthlings could do was slow the microbes’ release until scientists developed a countermeasure.

From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2023

One month later, as a countermeasure, the United States tried to send up its first test vehicle, named Vanguard.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.