counteract

verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈakt 

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

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈak-shən 

noun

counteractive

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈak-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• annul
• cancel (out)
• compensate (for)
• correct
• counterbalance
• counterpoise
• make up (for)
• negative
• neutralize
• offset

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

Phillips works with celebrity chef Bobby Flay, who uses it to counteract his 35 years of hunching over as a chef (and to help with his golf technique). —Max Berlinger, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024

The Clouds worked to counteract the destructive influences of assimilationist policies. —The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2024

To counteract the exfoliation, a trio of hyaluronic acid, aqua ceramide, and vitamin nourish and hydrates the skin. —Sarah Han, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Lewis says this inaccuracy means that previous planners believed that to counteract the spready, rather than rods from god the payload would be flechettes. —David Hambling, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

counteract

verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt 

: to lessen the force, action, or influence of : offset

a drug that counteracts a poison

counteraction

-ˈrak-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

counteract

transitive verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt 

: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by an opposite force

vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin

counteraction

-ˈrak-shən 

noun