counteract

coun·ter·act

verb \ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈakt\

Definition of COUNTERACT

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>

— coun·ter·ac·tion \-ˈak-shən\ noun

— coun·ter·ac·tive \-ˈak-tiv\ adjective

Examples of COUNTERACT

1. The drug will counteract the poison.
2. <this medication will counteract the symptoms but it won't kill the infection>

First Known Use of COUNTERACT

1655

Related to COUNTERACT

Synonyms: annul, cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, offset, counterbalance, counterpoise, make up (for), negative, neutralize

Related Words: invalidate, negate, neuter, nullify; atone (for); outbalance, outweigh, redeem; redress, relieve, remedy; override, overrule

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Rhymes with COUNTERACT

abreact, artifact, cataract, chain-react, cross-react, eye contact, inexact, interact, overact, precontact, razor-backed, reenact, riot act, subcompact, subcontract, tesseract, underact, vacuum-packed, ventifact