countermeasure

noun

coun·​ter·​mea·​sure ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌme-zhər 

-ˌmā-

: an action or device designed to negate or offset another

The most well-known countermeasure by a physician is a malicious-persecution suit against the lawyer who sued him and failed to prove a case.

—William J. Curran

The Germans had developed a tricky magnetic mine, but the British had developed a countermeasure for this even before the mine was used.

—Bernard Brodie and Fawn M. Brodie

especially : electronic countermeasure

Examples of countermeasure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Department of Health and Human Services declaration that activated that immunity was specific to COVID-19 countermeasures − not all vaccines, Winnike said. —Katie Smith, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

That decision would provoke in turn Russian countermeasures, perhaps nuclear. —Shane Croucher, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

The air force has noted that its evolving electronic warfare countermeasures play some role in the increasing number of Russian strike drones going off course. Minsk has complained of Ukrainian drones violating its airspace. —David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024

One study also suggests consuming caffeine before a nap may be the best countermeasure for sleep inertia.4 Engaging in physical activities before and after naps can also help promote wakefulness. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing countermeasure

• counter-countermeasure
• electronic countermeasure

Kids Definition

countermeasure

noun

coun·​ter·​mea·​sure ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌmezh-ər 

-ˌmāzh-

: an action or device designed to counteract another