counteract

verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
counteracted; counteracting; counteracts

transitive verb

: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by means of an opposite force, action, or influence
a drug used to counteract fatigue
counteraction noun
counteractive adjective

Examples of counteract in a Sentence

The drug will counteract the poison. this medication will counteract the symptoms but it won't kill the infection
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Investors widely expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates later this month in an effort to counteract the labor market slowdown, which would mark two consecutive rate reductions. Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025 Thankfully, parents can help their adolescent boys process what they’re exposed to on social media in healthy ways and counteract the negative effects. Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 Progressives have struggled to counteract that, lacking both the money and a clear storyline. David Weigel, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2025 There is no simple, fast way to counteract caffeine. Carley Millhone, Health, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counteract

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counteract was in 1655

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counteract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counteract. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

counteract

verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to lessen the force, action, or influence of : offset
a drug that counteracts a poison
counteraction noun

Medical Definition

counteract

transitive verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by an opposite force
vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin
counteraction noun

More from Merriam-Webster on counteract

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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