Definition of countervail
transitive verb
1 : to compensate for
3 : to exert force against : counteract
intransitive verb
: to exert force against an opposing and often bad or harmful force or influence
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Recent Examples of countervail from the Web
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The center-field fence at Curley measures out to about 330 feet, but in the springtime, countervailing winds kill most home run bids.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'countervail'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of countervail
Middle English countrevailen, from Anglo-French cuntrevaloir, from cuntre- counter- + valoir to be worth, from Latin valēre — more at wield
First Known Use: 14th century
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See words that rhyme with countervail Britannica English: Translation of countervail for Arabic speakers
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