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

Its modular 8-ton payload bay allows the Orca to be configured for mine countermeasures, surveillance, electronic warfare, and even strike missions. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 Nov. 2025

The lack of countermeasures to reduce the bridge's vulnerability to collapse after being struck by a ship also contributed to the disaster, the board said. —Brian Witte, Arkansas Online, 19 Nov. 2025

Alongside the crash itself, the NTSB reiterated prior findings from March, saying there were a lack of countermeasures put in place to reduce the bridge’s vulnerability to a collapse due to the impact of an oceangoing vessel. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 18 Nov. 2025

Despite Ukraine’s countermeasures, Zelensky said his country still faces significant disadvantages and has requested help from allies. —Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 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