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

Sheinbaum also announced that Mexico would reveal countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs, on Sunday. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

Both countries have threatened countermeasures targeting key U.S. exports, raising concerns among farmers and agribusinesses. —Bedassa Tadesse, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025

Beijing has previously warned of countermeasures, but has yet to detail any. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025

Its missile and drone arsenal demands countermeasures. —Colin Demarest, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing countermeasure

• counter-countermeasure
• electronic countermeasure

Rhymes for countermeasure

• displeasure
• leisure
• measure
• pleasure
• treasure

Kids Definition

countermeasure

noun

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

-ˌmāzh-

: an action or device designed to counteract another