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

But for each Russian innovation — first-person-view vehicles, jet power, fiber-optic tethers — Ukraine has developed countermeasures. — David L. Stern, Washington Post, 17 July 2026

As these tactics become more common, Russian forces will likely develop countermeasures, including physical obstacles and improved surveillance. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a statement posted on X rejected the tariff decision as groundless, and vowed to initiate countermeasures while raise the issue within the framework of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Iran and Turkey share a border, sparking speculation that the new jet lacked certain sophisticated security and countermeasure systems. — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 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