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

The Nasdaq has slid 5.8% in 2025 over concerns the huge technology companies that dominate the index could get caught in the crossfire between U.S. tariffs and countermeasures by other countries. —Alain Sherter, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2025

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 97, and 25 others didn’t reach targets because of Ukrainian countermeasures. —Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025

Other scholars say confiscation would not be a legitimate countermeasure. —David McHugh, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025

In response to Trump's tariffs on metals, the EU announced countermeasures worth $28 billion will take effect April 1 and will be completely rolled out by April 13. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 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