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

Such forms of electronic interference are increasingly being deployed as defensive countermeasures in modern warfare — similar disruptions followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to a CSIS report. —Matthew Chin, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026

The modular design allows for three standard payload modules to be installed or one extra-large module, enabling missions such as Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and undersea cable and pipeline inspection. —David Szondy march 22, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2026

Experts wonder if the US surface warfare success led it to neglect mine countermeasures, something that is slow and meticulous in contrast to missile battles. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026

So far, committees backed by the attorneys have put together more than $50 million to oppose Uber’s measure and advance their own countermeasures. —Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 21 Mar. 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