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

Security experts have cautioned that the Qatari aircraft would require extensive modifications to meet U.S. military standards, including countermeasures against nuclear and missile threats. —Nik Popli, Time, 14 May 2025

They are hardened against the effects of a nuclear blast and include a range of security features, such as anti-missile countermeasures and an onboard operating room. —Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025

Assembly Democrats scrambled to come up with a countermeasure. —Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2025

The countermeasures, if implemented, will target around 21 billion euros worth of U.S. goods ranging from agricultural products to clothing, chiefly with a tariff rate of 25%. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 8 May 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