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

How active protection systems work An APS integrates radar, electro-optical and infra-red (EO/IR) sensors, a fire control processor, and a countermeasure launcher into a single defensive suite mounted on an armored vehicle. —Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026

Taking countermeasures – say, a combination of clever tax reforms and safety nets – would be a better course. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 24 May 2026

Multiple studies over the years have suggested that because the four Ebola species that infect people are sufficiently different from one another genetically, medical countermeasures developed against one will not protect against another. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 18 May 2026

None of those countermeasures apply here. —John Drake, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

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