counteract

verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
counteracted; counteracting; counteracts

transitive verb

: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by means of an opposite force, action, or influence
a drug used to counteract fatigue
counteraction noun
counteractive adjective

Examples of counteract in a Sentence

The drug will counteract the poison. this medication will counteract the symptoms but it won't kill the infection
Recent Examples on the Web Yet, their employee retirement plans are counteracting those efforts while also resulting in lower returns. Andrew Behar, Fortune, 22 May 2024 Shastri said one promising use is in counteracting interference between different wireless transmissions, such as 5G cellular towers and the radar altimeters that help planes navigate. Quanta Magazine, 20 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for counteract 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'counteract.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counteract was in 1655

Dictionary Entries Near counteract

Cite this Entry

“Counteract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counteract. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

counteract

verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to lessen the force, action, or influence of : offset
a drug that counteracts a poison
counteraction noun

Medical Definition

counteract

transitive verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by an opposite force
vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin
counteraction noun

More from Merriam-Webster on counteract

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