counteract

[ˌkaʊntərˈækt]

counteract Definition

• 1. act against (something) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it
• 2. prevent (something) from having an effect

Using counteract: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "counteract" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Drinking water can counteract the effects of dehydration.

• Example

  The new policy is intended to counteract rising inflation.

• Example

  She took medicine to counteract the allergic reaction.

• Example

  The company is taking steps to counteract negative publicity.

counteract Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for counteract

• neutralize
• offset
• counterbalance
• counterpoise
• compensate

Antonyms for counteract

• aid
• assist
• promote

Phrases with counteract

• counteract someone's influence

  to work against or oppose someone's power or authority

  Example

  The opposition party is trying to counteract the president's influence.

• counteract a problem

  to take action to prevent or solve a problem

  Example

  The government is implementing measures to counteract the economic crisis.

• counteract an argument

  to present evidence or reasoning that opposes or undermines an argument

  Example

  The lawyer tried to counteract the prosecution's argument with new evidence.

Origins of counteract

from Latin 'contra-' meaning 'against' + 'actio' meaning 'a doing'

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Summary: counteract in Brief

The verb 'counteract' [ˌkaʊntərˈækt] means to act against something in order to reduce its force or prevent it from having an effect. It can be used in various contexts, such as countering the effects of dehydration or negative publicity. Phrases like 'counteract someone's influence' and 'counteract an argument' denote opposing or undermining power or reasoning. 'Counteract' is a formal term that can be replaced by 'neutralize' or 'offset.'