counterpoise

1 of 2

verb

coun·​ter·​poise ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯiz 

counterpoised; counterpoising; counterpoises

transitive verb

: counterbalance

counterpoise

2 of 2

noun

1

: counterbalance

2

: an equivalent power or force acting in opposition

3

: a state of balance

Synonyms

Verb

• annul
• cancel (out)
• compensate (for)
• correct
• counteract
• counterbalance
• make up (for)
• negative
• neutralize
• offset

Noun

• balance
• equilibration
• equilibrium
• equipoise
• poise
• stasis

Example Sentences

Verb

her overall healthiness largely counterpoised the virulence of the infection

Noun

a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages

the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities. —Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English countrepesen, from Anglo-French contrepeser, from cuntre- + peser to weigh — more at poise

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

counterpoise

verb

coun·​ter·​poise

ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌpȯiz

: counterbalance entry 2

counterpoise noun