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

Long term complications, like cardiovascular changes and balance and coordination issues, would also likely arise without countermeasures. —Alan Bradley, Space.com, 21 Feb. 2026

Of course, countermeasures or deterrent effects could render the technology far less decisive, as has happened with many strategic systems over the past 80 years that never saw meaningful combat. —New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026

The research studies pathogens of concern and monitors their spread, and develops medical countermeasures against threats from radiation exposure, chemicals and infectious diseases. —Max Kozlov, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2026

Takaichi’s countermeasures brought timely relief and won over skeptics. —Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 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