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

Israel announces countermeasures Opponents including Britain's opposition Conservative Party warned the move could isolate Israel. — Lauren Frayer, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

By keeping sanctions and countermeasures relatively limited, Beijing and Washington have avoided dangerous escalation and kept the relationship moving forward. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

According to Canada's finance minister, the countermeasures will affect a range of products, including steel, appliances and dairy goods. — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Threats of stronger countermeasures and further escalation only ramped up on Monday, raising the possibility that additional products or sectors would come into the crosshairs of the trade war. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 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