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

As the countermeasures go to full alert, the sensors of the IADS try to learn more about the intruders, their numbers, and possible threats. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2024

The National Security Council needs to design a whole-of-government action plan to expose election interference by U.S. adversaries and outline specific countermeasures. —David Shedd, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2024

The mobile setup combines sensors with third-party drone countermeasures. —Colin Demarest, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024

His work laid the foundation for public health countermeasures that spared millions early deaths from cancer, heart disease, and emphysema. —Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 14 Oct. 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