counteract

verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
counteracted; counteracting; counteracts

transitive verb

: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by means of an opposite force, action, or influence
a drug used to counteract fatigue
counteraction noun
counteractive adjective

Examples of counteract in a Sentence

The drug will counteract the poison. this medication will counteract the symptoms but it won't kill the infection
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even 20 minutes of daily moderate exercise won't counteract the negative health impacts of incessant sitting. Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 However, some levodopa medications also contain carbidopa, which can counteract the interaction.4 People using levodopa or levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) can develop a vitamin B6 deficiency. Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024 By consciously focusing on potential gains rather than losses, individuals can counteract their bias toward loss. Bryce Hoffman, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 To do so, this uses a blend of ultra-violet pigments that counteract yellow and brassy tones to ensure your color is always up to your standard in between salon appointments. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for counteract 

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counteract was in 1655

Dictionary Entries Near counteract

Cite this Entry

“Counteract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counteract. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

counteract

verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to lessen the force, action, or influence of : offset
a drug that counteracts a poison
counteraction noun

Medical Definition

counteract

transitive verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by an opposite force
vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin
counteraction noun

More from Merriam-Webster on counteract

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