countermeasure

noun

coun·​ter·​mea·​sure ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌme-zhər 

-ˌmā-

: an action or device designed to negate or offset another

The most well-known countermeasure by a physician is a malicious-persecution suit against the lawyer who sued him and failed to prove a case.

—William J. Curran

The Germans had developed a tricky magnetic mine, but the British had developed a countermeasure for this even before the mine was used.

—Bernard Brodie and Fawn M. Brodie

especially : electronic countermeasure

Examples of countermeasure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Iran and Turkey share a border, sparking speculation that the new jet lacked certain sophisticated security and countermeasure systems. — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Iran and Turkey share a border, sparking speculation that the Qatari-gifted jet, which underwent a $400 million retrofit, lacked certain sophisticated security and countermeasure systems. — ABC News, 11 July 2026

The approach avoids explosive countermeasures, reducing the risk to nearby personnel and equipment. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

Boeing 747s are generally not equipped with missile countermeasures; however, the older presidential fleet is widely believed to include them. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing countermeasure

• counter-countermeasure
• electronic countermeasure

Rhymes for countermeasure

• displeasure
• leisure
• measure
• pleasure
• treasure

Kids Definition

countermeasure

noun

coun·​ter·​mea·​sure ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌmezh-ər 

-ˌmāzh-

: an action or device designed to counteract another