counteract

1 of 2

verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈakt 

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

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈak-shən 

noun

counteractive

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈak-tiv 

adjective

counteraction

2 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​ac·​tion ¦kau̇n-tər-¦ak-shən 

plural -s

1

: contrary action : opposition, resistance

scheming counteraction

2

: act or action of counteracting : a counteracting agency

the counteraction of centripetal forces on centrifugal tendencies

Synonyms of counteract

Verb

• offset
• neutralize
• correct

Examples of counteract in a Sentence

Verb

The drug will counteract the poison.

this medication will counteract the symptoms but it won't kill the infection

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Four types of hyaluronic acid plump skin and counteract potential dryness, while collagen amino acids and antioxidants help protect skin’s natural collagen for a firmer, smoother look. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

It is designed to counteract Republican redistricting in other states meant to aid the GOP in the 2026 midterm elections. — Erin Cox, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026

Yes, the Power Keyboard is heavier, but that extra heft is partly used to counteract the top-heavy imbalance when attached to a phone. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

Labor must modernize its financial architecture to counteract this evolution. — Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1655, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counteract

• artefact
• artifact
• inexact
• interact
• noncontact
• reenact
• subcontract
• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract

Kids Definition

counteract

verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt 

: to lessen the force, action, or influence of : offset

a drug that counteracts a poison

counteraction

-ˈrak-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

counteract

transitive verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt 

: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by an opposite force

vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin

counteraction

-ˈrak-shən 

noun