countervail

[ koun-ter-veyl ]

verb (used with object)

1. to act or avail against with equal power, force, or effect; counteract.

   Synonyms: neutralize, counterpoise, counterbalance

2. to furnish an equivalent of or a compensation for; offset.
3. Archaic. to equal.

verb (used without object)

1. to be of equal force in opposition; avail.

countervail

/ ˌkaʊntəˈveɪl; ˈkaʊntəˌveɪl /

verb

1. whenintr, usually foll by against to act or act against with equal power or force
2. tr to make up for; compensate; offset

Other Words From

• uncoun·ter·vailed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of countervail¹

1350–1400; Middle English contrevailen < Anglo-French countrevail-, tonic stem (subjunctive) of countrevaloir to equal, be comparable to < Latin phrase contrā valēre to be of worth against (someone or something). See counter-, -valent

Word History and Origins

Origin of countervail¹

C14: from Old French contrevaloir, from Latin contrā valēre, from contrā against + valēre to be strong

Example Sentences

There are plenty of ways where the countervailing messages to push back on Trump's use of racism and sexism can become very painful for him and his campaign.

From Salon

She concluded last month that the protection of the boss' identity was necessary to "secure the proper administration of justice", adding there was "no sufficient countervailing public interest" in his name being disclosed.

From BBC

“But there are countervailing considerations given the threat that we face.”

From Seattle Times

Instead, the state could “combat ‘woke’ ideas with countervailing views in the ‘marketplace of ideas’ …”

From Seattle Times

Truman would make his countervailing position clear later, in the second volume of his memoirs:

From Salon