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

However the court’s decision means that while red states lose their main constraint, for partisan gains, Democratic – that is blue – states would have to respond aggressively with countermeasures. —ABC News, 6 May 2026

They are hardened against the effects of a nuclear blast and include a range of security features, such as anti-missile countermeasures and an onboard operating room. —Jonathan J. Cooper, Fortune, 2 May 2026

It's also turned Ukraine into one of, if not the, leaders in the field of anti-drone countermeasures. —David Szondy may 02, New Atlas, 2 May 2026

By then, though, a missile may have released countermeasures or multiple reentry vehicles. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 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