counteract

verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
counteracted; counteracting; counteracts

transitive verb

: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by means of an opposite force, action, or influence
a drug used to counteract fatigue
counteraction noun
counteractive adjective

Examples of counteract in a Sentence

The drug will counteract the poison. this medication will counteract the symptoms but it won't kill the infection
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For one thing, the lander is much more broad at its base with a low center of gravity, which Scholtes said is to counteract the challenge of low gravity that can lead to tipping. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025 The brand’s latest innovation, 1-hour Energy, is a smaller, fast-acting version of its popular energy shot, designed specifically to counteract the fatigue caused by the time change. Emily Price, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 That green pigment comes from centella asiatica (cica), a skin-care staple that counteracts redness and soothes irritation. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025 It’s meant to help the skin and muscles relax to counteract the signs of aging by smoothing folds and wrinkles. Enrica Petraglia, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counteract

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counteract was in 1655

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Cite this Entry

“Counteract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counteract. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

counteract

verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to lessen the force, action, or influence of : offset
a drug that counteracts a poison
counteraction noun

Medical Definition

counteract

transitive verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by an opposite force
vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin
counteraction noun

More from Merriam-Webster on counteract

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