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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recognize that uncertainty also helps counteract overconfidence in AI decisions, especially in data sets prone to historical bias. Andre Shojaie, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Verdery said that businesses and business associations could, for example, spend $100 million on ambitious media campaigns to counteract the anti-immigrant rhetoric that Fox News churns out every night. Eli Hager, ProPublica, 25 Oct. 2024 Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, stress management, and good nutrition may help counteract some of these changes. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024 To counteract clutter, incorporate storage opportunities into your entryway. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for counteract 

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 26 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!