counterpoise
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1coun·ter·poise

transitive verb \-ˌpiz\

Definition of COUNTERPOISE

Examples of COUNTERPOISE

  1. <her overall healthiness largely counterpoised the virulence of the infection>

Origin of COUNTERPOISE

Middle English countrepesen, from Anglo-French contrepeser, from cuntre- + peser to weigh — more at poise
First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with COUNTERPOISE

2counterpoise

noun

Definition of COUNTERPOISE

2
: an equivalent power or force acting in opposition
3
: a state of balance

Examples of COUNTERPOISE

  1. <a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages>
  2. <the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family>

First Known Use of COUNTERPOISE

15th century

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