counterinfluence

noun

coun·​ter·​in·​flu·​ence ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s How to pronounce counterinfluence (audio)
 especially Southern  -in-ˈflü-
variants or counter-influence
plural counterinfluences or counter-influences
: an influence that opposes or counteracts another influence
… conscious of the capacities for evil which lie dormant in us all, and striving earnestly to open her heart to the counter-influence of her own better nature …Wilkie Collins

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterinfluence was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near counterinfluence

Cite this Entry

“Counterinfluence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterinfluence. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on counterinfluence

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!