counter

³coun·ter

verb

coun·teredcoun·ter·ing\ˈkau̇n-t(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of COUNTER

transitive verb

1

a : to act in opposition to : oppose b : offset, nullify <tried to counter the trend toward depersonalization>

2

: to assert in answer <we countered that our warnings had been ignored>

intransitive verb

: to meet attacks or arguments with defensive or retaliatory steps

Examples of COUNTER

1. When they blamed him for the collapse of the bridge, he countered that his warnings about the bridge had been ignored.
2. “I could say the same thing about you,” she countered.
3. After she made her point, he could not counter with anything.

Origin of COUNTER

Middle English countren, from Anglo-French cuntre against, opposite, from Latin contra; akin to Latin com- with, together — more at co-

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to COUNTER

Synonyms: battle, combat, contend (with), fight, oppose, oppugn

Antonyms: advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote

Related Words: baffle, checkmate, foil, frustrate, resist, thwart, withstand; confront, defy, face, meet

Near Antonyms: abide, bear, endure, suffer; advocate, back, champion, endorse (also indorse), support, uphold

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Rhymes with COUNTER

mounter