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

Belgium has also insisted on protection against any countermeasures Russia may take against Euroclear’s assets in Russia and beyond. —Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025

China launched the anti-dumping probe in June last year as part of a countermeasure to the EU’s punitive measures against its EV sector. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2025

The illegality of Russia’s invasion means that such countermeasures are likely permissible under international law. —Valerie Morkevicius, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025

Lethal objects refer to missile warheads, while nonlethal objects—such as decoys—are countermeasures designed to help armed missile payloads penetrate missile defenses. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

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