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

The Chinese researchers chose the 1,064-nanometer wavelength partly because stealth aircraft have fewer dedicated countermeasures against active laser sensing. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

In the very near future, bad actors may be able to use AI to engineer viruses at home that are intentionally designed to evade human immunity and existing countermeasures. — Stephanie Psaki, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026

These are astronauts who were able to do their countermeasures. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 15 Sep. 2026

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