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

Able to carry up to twelve low-yield warheads (100–300 kt), Layner supports mixed-yield loadouts and advanced countermeasures — extensive decoys and configurable warhead/decoy mixes — while its reentry vehicles reportedly perform in-flight maneuvering and re-targeting to defeat missile. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025

These countermeasures include charging special fees on their vessels when calling at Chinese ports and prohibiting and limiting vessel port access in China. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025

The program includes Khibiny-M electronic warfare systems to enhance defensive and countermeasure capabilities. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

One countermeasure is the use of microwave weapons like Leonidas. —New Atlas, 27 Sep. 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